Molecular dissection of brainstem motor circuits

The ability of animals to perform various actions relies on diverse neuronal subtypes with distinct properties, specific connectivity, and ordered sequence of activation while a behavior progresses through its different phases.

In this project, I will address these different aspects of motor circuits in selected brainstem regions that are essential for movement control.

I will first define molecularly distinct neuronal subtypes as well as their unique genetic signatures using single-cell transcriptomics (Jan-Dec 2022: FMI; Jan-Jun 2023: KI).

Using these genetically defined neuronal subtypes as entry points, I will characterize their input and output organization with intersectional genetic-viral approaches to understand how molecularly defined neuronal subtypes are integrated into the brainstem motor circuitry.

The outcomes from these anatomical studies will guide me to design loss- and gain-of-function experiments to address the differential functions of selected neuronal subtypes through opto- and chemogenetic approaches combined with quantitative behavioral analysis (Jul 2023-Dec 2024: FMI).

Altogether, this project will provide detailed insights into the organization of neuronal subtypes in brainstem motor circuits originating in the characterization of neuronal building blocks from a transcriptomic starting point.

The knowledge gained from this project will be essential for understanding the malfunction of motor circuits in diseases and designing targeted therapeutics.