Brainstem neuronal circuits generating skilled forelimb movement sequences

Successful motor behaviour depends on the smooth execution of different movement phases in the appropriate sequence.

Recent research has identified neuronal populations in the brainstem that control the different phases of skilled forelimb movements within more complex behaviours. This proposal aims to elucidate the connectivity rules governing the responsible brainstem circuits.

Specifically, the first step involves in vivo extracellular electrophysiology from excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the lateral rostral medulla (LatRM), a region responsible for forelimb movements, during a sequence of actions.

The second step entails ex vivo electrophysiological characterization of LatRM excitatory and inhibitory neurons comparing their intrinsic properties to the in vivo recordings from the first step.

Additionally, the anatomy of inhibitory neurons will be characterized using viral tracing techniques (Jan 2024-Jun 2025: Unibas; Jul-Dec 2025: KI).

Finally, the monosynaptic connectivity inferred from step one will be validated by paired patch-clamp recordings and all-optical optogenetic and voltage imaging strategy (Jan-Dec 2026: Unibas).

With the proposed work, I expect to obtain a comprehensive connectivity map of the characterized LatRM modules that drive different forelimb action phases in sequence.

More generally, my work will provide valuable insight into the organization and function of neuronal circuits generating action sequences, a topic of long-standing interest.