Mechanisms of spontaneous activity in embryonic hindbrain pacemaker neurons

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In the developing brain, spontaneous activity (not driven by external input) is critical for appropriate circuit formation. These experiments will investigate the mechanisms by which serotonergic neurons in the embryonic mouse hindbrain begin and cease expression of spontaneous activity. These neurons drive waves of electrical activity across the entire hindbrain, which is important in specifying axonal projections both of the serotonergic neurons, and in follower neurons. Previous work has shown that pharmacological blockade of the serotonin receptor prevents the onset of the spontaneous activity. The current goals, using physiological and anatomical techniques, are elucidating the mechanism(s) governing the onset of activity and the role of serotonin receptor signaling in that onset. In addition, the mechanism(s) that dictate the retraction of activity to the driver cells and cessation over 3 developmental days will be determined. This work characterizes important processes in the regulation of spontaneous activity which directs correct network formation. Thus, it examines the basic mechanisms by which neurons find and maintain correct innervation patterns during development. The lab has had many undergraduates and a number of high school students participate in the research project, to the point of publication. This includes a week-long workshop for disabled high school students as part of a summer program, where the students are able to use physiological techniques and observe spontaneous activity.