Sensorimotor
reflex
circuits
engage
distinct
neuronal
subtypes,
defined
by
precise
connectivity,
to
transform
sensation
into
compensatory
behavior.
Whether
and
how
motor
neuron
populations
specify
the
subtype
fate
and/or
sensory
connectivity
of
their
pre-motor
partners
remains
controversial.
Here,
we
discovered
that
neurons
are
dispensable
for
proper
in
vestibular
circuit
stabilizes
gaze.
We
first
measured
activity
following
premotor
projection
after
constitutive
loss
extraocular
partners.
observed
normal
responses
topography
indicative
unchanged
functional
between
neurons.
Next,
show
remain
anatomically
molecularly
poised
connect
appropriately
with
down-stream
Lastly,
transcriptional
signatures
typify
develop
independently
Our
findings
comprehensively
overturn
a
long-standing
model:
gaze
stabilization
is
retrogradely
determined
partner-derived
signals.
By
defining
contribution
specification
an
archetypal
sensorimotor
circuit,
our
work
speaks
comparable
processes
spinal
cord
advances
understanding
principles
neural
development.
Cell Reports,
Год журнала:
2023,
Номер
42(9), С. 113049 - 113049
Опубликована: Сен. 1, 2023
Locomotion
requires
precise
control
of
the
strength
and
speed
muscle
contraction
is
achieved
by
recruiting
functionally
distinct
subtypes
motor
neurons
(MNs).
MNs
are
essential
to
movement
differentially
susceptible
in
disease,
but
little
known
about
how
acquire
functional
subtype-specific
features
during
development.
Using
single-cell
RNA
profiling
embryonic
larval
zebrafish,
we
identify
novel
conserved
molecular
signatures
for
MN
genes
expressed
both
early
post-mitotic
mature
MNs.
Assessing
development
genetic
mutants,
define
a
program
subtype
specification.
Two
evolutionarily
transcription
factors,
Prdm16
Mecom,
determinants
integral
fast
Loss
prdm16
or
mecom
causes
develop
transcriptional
profiles
innervation
similar
slow
These
results
reveal
diversity
vertebrate
axial
demonstrate
that
specified
through
intrinsic
codes.
Current Biology,
Год журнала:
2024,
Номер
34(3), С. 473 - 488.e6
Опубликована: Янв. 4, 2024
Complex
behaviors
depend
on
the
precise
developmental
specification
of
neuronal
circuits,
but
relationship
between
genetic
programs
for
neural
development,
circuit
structure,
and
behavioral
output
is
often
unclear.
The
central
complex
(CX)
a
conserved
sensory-motor
integration
center
in
insects,
which
governs
many
higher-order
largely
derives
from
small
number
type
II
stem
cells
(NSCs).
Here,
we
show
that
Imp,
IGF-II
mRNA-binding
protein
expressed
NSCs,
plays
role
specifying
essential
components
CX
olfactory
navigation
circuitry.
We
following:
(1)
multiple
circuitry
arise
NSCs.
(2)
Manipulating
Imp
expression
NSCs
alters
morphology
these
elements,
with
most
potent
effects
neurons
targeting
ventral
layers
fan-shaped
body
(FB).
(3)
regulates
Tachykinin-expressing
FB
input
neurons.
(4)
required
establishing
proper
neuropil
structures.
(5)
Loss
abolishes
upwind
orientation
to
attractive
odor
while
leaving
locomotion
odor-evoked
regulation
movement
intact.
Taken
together,
our
findings
establish
temporally
gene
can
regulate
behavior
by
developmentally
regulating
provides
first
step
toward
dissection
its
roles
behavior.
Science,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
387(6729), С. 85 - 90
Опубликована: Янв. 2, 2025
Vertebrates
stabilize
gaze
using
a
neural
circuit
that
transforms
sensed
instability
into
compensatory
counterrotation
of
the
eyes.
Sensory
feedback
tunes
this
vestibulo-ocular
reflex
throughout
life.
We
studied
functional
development
components
in
larval
zebrafish,
with
and
without
sensation.
Blind
fish
normally,
responses
to
body
tilts
mature
before
behavior.
In
contrast,
synapses
between
motor
neurons
eye
muscles
time
course
similar
behavioral
maturation.
Larvae
vestibular
sensory
experience,
but
neuromuscular
junctions,
had
strong
reflex.
Development
junction,
not
therefore
determines
rate
maturation
an
ancient
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology,
Год журнала:
2023,
Номер
11
Опубликована: Апрель 18, 2023
The
vestibular
system
of
the
inner
ear
provides
information
about
head
motion
and
spatial
orientation
relative
to
gravity
ensure
gaze
stability,
balance,
postural
control.
Zebrafish,
like
humans,
have
five
sensory
patches
per
that
serve
as
peripheral
organs,
with
addition
lagena
macula
neglecta.
zebrafish
can
be
easily
studied
due
its
accessible
location,
transparent
tissue
larval
fish,
early
development
behaviors.
Thus,
are
an
excellent
model
for
studying
development,
physiology,
function
system.
Recent
work
has
made
great
strides
elucidate
neural
circuitry
in
tracing
transmission
from
receptors
periphery
central
computational
circuits
driving
reflexes.
Here
we
highlight
recent
illuminates
functional
organization
epithelia,
innervating
first-order
afferent
neurons,
second-order
neuronal
targets
hindbrain.
Using
a
combination
genetic,
anatomical,
electrophysiological,
optical
techniques,
these
studies
probed
roles
signals
fish
gaze,
postural,
swimming
We
discuss
remaining
questions
tractable
model.
eNeuro,
Год журнала:
2023,
Номер
10(6), С. ENEURO.0090 - 23.2023
Опубликована: Июнь 1, 2023
Vestibulospinal
neurons
integrate
sensed
imbalance
to
regulate
postural
reflexes.
As
an
evolutionarily
conserved
neural
population,
understanding
their
synaptic
and
circuit-level
properties
can
offer
insight
into
vertebrate
antigravity
Motivated
by
recent
work,
we
set
out
verify
extend
the
characterization
of
vestibulospinal
in
larval
zebrafish.
Using
current-clamp
recordings
together
with
stimulation,
observed
that
zebrafish
are
silent
at
rest,
yet
capable
sustained
spiking
following
depolarization.
Neurons
responded
systematically
a
vestibular
stimulus
(translation
dark);
responses
were
abolished
after
chronic
or
acute
loss
utricular
otolith.
Voltage-clamp
rest
revealed
strong
excitatory
inputs
characteristic
multimodal
distribution
amplitudes,
as
well
inhibitory
inputs.
Excitatory
within
particular
mode
(amplitude
range)
routinely
violated
refractory
period
criteria
exhibited
complex
sensory
tuning,
suggesting
nonunitary
origin.
Next,
using
unilateral
loss-of-function
approach,
characterized
source
from
each
ear.
We
systematic
high-amplitude
lesions
ipsilateral,
but
not
contralateral,
recorded
neuron.
In
contrast,
while
some
had
decreased
either
ipsilateral
contralateral
lesions,
there
no
changes
across
population
neurons.
conclude
otolith
shapes
through
both
Our
findings
expand
our
how
model,
zebrafish,
might
use
input
stabilize
posture.
More
broadly,
when
compared
other
vertebrates,
data
speak
origins
input.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Год журнала:
2024,
Номер
unknown
Опубликована: Март 13, 2024
ABSTRACT
The
sensation
of
gravity
anchors
our
perception
the
environment
and
is
crucial
for
navigation.
However,
neural
circuits
that
transform
into
commands
navigation
are
undefined.
We
first
determined
larval
zebrafish
(
Danio
rerio
)
navigate
vertically
by
maintaining
a
consistent
heading
across
series
upward
climb
or
downward
dive
bouts.
Gravity-blind
mutant
fish
swim
with
more
variable
excessive
veering,
leading
to
inefficient
vertical
After
targeted
photoablation
ascending
vestibular
neurons
spinal
projecting
midbrain
neurons,
but
not
vestibulospinal
was
impaired.
These
data
define
sensorimotor
circuit
uses
evolutionarily-conserved
brainstem
architecture
gravitational
signals
persistent
work
lays
foundation
understand
how
inputs
allow
animals
move
efficiently
through
their
environment.
Frontiers in Neurology,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
16
Опубликована: Май 19, 2025
Gaze
stabilization
and
locomotion
rely
often
on
an
accurate
sensory
detection
of
head
movements
by
the
vestibular
system.
A
functional
relationship
between
sensitivity,
locomotor
skills
semicircular
canal
morphology
has
been
suspected
in
vertebrates
as
adaptation
to
eco-physiological
species-specific
needs,
but
only
partially
indirectly
documented.
However,
evaluating
vestibulo-ocular
reflexive
activity
efficiency
simultaneously
with
rotational
sensor
geometry
remains
absent
from
literature.
From
such
a
perspective,
this
study
attempted
provide
simultaneous
quantification
response,
swimming
salamander
axolotl
frog
Xenopus
laevis
,
two
amphibian
species
comparable
lifestyle
identical
systems
at
larval
stages.
Animals
were
studied
equivalent
developmental
period:
late
pre-metamorphic
stage
where
hindlimbs
start
differentiate.
Larval
demonstrated
angular
reflex
(aVOR)
gain
~83%
lower
than
.
Like
earlier
stages,
aVOR
increased
indicating
later
onset.
The
morphological
comparison
canals
both
revealed
that
horizontal
was
thinner,
less
curved
coplanar
plane
compared
Additionally,
ampulla
rounder
elongated
axolotl.
All
these
parameters
are
critical
for
endolymph
flow
consequently
capacity
perceive
motion.
Interestingly,
reduced
activity,
more
episodic
resulting
frequent
exposure
important
accelerations.
Altogether,
our
results
correlative
evidences
clear
link
morphology,
influencing
performance,
also
species,
representative
anuran
amphibians.
This
study,
even
preliminary,
should
open
pathway
further
complete
demonstrations
relationship,
seems
be
commonly
shared
during
evolution.
