The neural basis of descending motor control

神经科学的一个中心观点是，大脑神经元产生开始、停止和改变运动的命令，而脊髓中的神经元执行这些命令。这些通路的缺陷是帕金森病和脑瘫等常见神经系统疾病的基础。然而，在之前的工作中，我们已经表明大脑也可以直接影响运动的执行方式，赋予它对行为细节的精确控制。该项目将通过将最新技术与果蝇无与伦比的遗传工具相结合来跟进这些重要结果。这种昆虫是解决这个问题的理想模式生物：它有一系列有趣的行为，但它的神经元数量相对较少，每个神经元都是唯一可识别的，并且可以进行活动成像和操作。我们和其他人正在合作完成它的神经系统的完整接线图，使我们能够看到大脑中的每个神经元是如何连接的。结合使用这些最先进的技术，包括使用光片显微镜的神经活动成像，电压成像，连接组学和光遗传学，我们将确定哪些大脑神经元参与运动方向，并了解它们如何与使肌肉收缩的细胞连接。学生还将使用自定义Python代码进行数据分析，为此将提供培训。该项目还将涉及开发和/或测试用于获取和同步神经科学数据流的开放获取软件（确切程度取决于申请人以前的编程经验）。该项目由两位在成像和电生理学方面具有互补专业知识的神经科学家指导，将为研究生提供极好的培训机会，为他们在科学和技术领域的职业生涯做好准备。

A central view in neuroscience is that brain neurons produce the commands to start, stop and change movements, while neurons in the spinal cord carry them out. Defects in these pathways underlie common neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and cerebral palsy.However, in previous work we have shown that the brain can also directly affect how movements are performed, giving it precise control over the very fine details of behaviour. This project will follow up these important results by combining the latest technologies with the unrivalled set of genetic tools of the fruit fly Drosophila. This insect is an ideal model organism to address this question: it has an interesting set of behaviours, but it has a relatively small number of neurons, each uniquely identifiable and amenable to both activity imaging and manipulations. We and others are collaborating on completing a full wiring diagram of its nervous system, allowing us to see how each neuron within the brain is connected. Using a combination of these state-of-the-art techniques including neural activity imaging using a lightsheet microscope, voltage imaging, connectomics, and optogenetics, we will determine which brain neurons are involved in the direction of movements, and see how they are connected to the cells that make muscles contract. The student will also use custom Python code for data analysis, for which training will be provided. This project will also involve developing and/or testing open access software for acquiring and synchronizing data streams in neuroscience (exact extent dependent on previous programming experience of applicant) Supervised by two neuroscientists with complementary expertise in imaging and electrophysiology, the project will provide an excellent training opportunity for the postgraduate student, preparing them for a career in the scientific and technology sectors.