Mapping the connections between spinal interneurons and motoneurons with super-resolution microscopy

Motility is an essential characteristic of many aquatic and terrestrial animals. In vertebrates, self-contained and autonomous neuronal networks in the spinal cord can produce patterned and rhythmic locomotor outputs in the absence of higher brain centres and sensory inputs. Spinal locomotor networks comprised of interneurons differentially control the outputs of respective motoneuron subtypes that exclusively activate specific muscles in the limbs. While these local spinal circuits have been shown essential in the generation of coordinated locomotion, the fundamental mechanisms by which this is achieved remain largely unknown. One major factor limiting further discovery in the spinal cord has been the inability to breakdown the locomotor circuit beyond single cells to single synapses. However, with the very recent advents of super-resolution and light-sheet microscopy it is now possible to study individual synaptic connection patterns and single synapse structures.TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Ying Zhang

Student:

Partner:

ShanghaiTech University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

University:

Dalhousie University

Program:

Globalink Research Award