Cortical cells, circuits, and signals - and their roles in motor behavior and disease

 

An essential aspect of human behavior is the ability to perform skilled and purposive movements, particularly with our hands. This ability relies on the cerebral cortex, and in particular on the input-output operations performed by its neurons, which are embedded in complex networks of synaptic circuits. Our lab aims to understand the cellular connectivity and dynamic signaling in these circuits. We focus on mouse motor cortex and its connections with downstream and upstream partners throughout the brain and spinal cord via different types of projection neurons. Further goals are to understand cellular mechanisms for motor control in behaving animals, and how cortical cells, circuits, and signals are affected in neurological diseases such as paralysis, neurodevelopmental disorders, and more.