Role of DSCAM in the development of supraspinal and spinal motor networks

DSCAM 在脊髓上和脊髓运动网络发育中的作用

• 批准号: 418635-2012
• 负责人: Bretzner, Frederic
• 金额: $ 2.11万
• 依托单位: Université Laval
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2014
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2014-01-01 至 2015-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=551518
• 关键词: Role; DSCAM; development; supraspinal; spinal

Motor control results from interplay between the brain and the spinal cord. The brain initiates, selects and plans the appropriate motor program to match environmental constraints, while the spinal cord translates this descending command into motor actions. Critical to motor functions is the formation of neuronal networks in the brain and spinal cord, which depends highly on signaling cues. Some of these signaling cues are thought to guide growing axons to their proper targets, while others contribute to the cell positioning across the central nervous system. Using genetic technologies, it is now possible to alter gene expression by genetic deletion or silencing in the mouse, thus allowing us to broaden and deepen our understanding of signaling cues crucial to the development of neural motor networks. My research program therefore focuses on the role of one of these signaling cues, DSCAM, to the normal development of neural motor networks. DSCAM is a cell adherence molecule that could contribute to axonal guidance and/or cell positioning. Using a combination of behavioral, anatomical, and electrophysiological approaches, we will identify, localize and characterize functionally how removal of DSCAM affects the motor control and locomotion in DSCAM lacking mutant mice. Taken together, this series of experiments will allow us to get a better understanding of the contribution of DSCAM to the development of neural networks and motor functions.

运动控制是大脑和脊髓相互作用的结果。大脑启动、选择和计划适当的运动程序，以适应环境的限制，而脊髓则将这种下行命令翻译成运动动作。运动功能的关键是大脑和脊髓中神经元网络的形成，这在很大程度上依赖于信号提示。这些信号信号中的一些被认为是引导生长的轴突到达它们合适的目标，而另一些则有助于细胞在中枢神经系统中的定位。利用基因技术，现在可以通过基因缺失或沉默来改变小鼠的基因表达，从而使我们能够拓宽和加深对神经运动网络发展至关重要的信号信号的理解。因此，我的研究计划集中在其中一个信号信号DSCAM对神经运动网络的正常发展所起的作用。DSCAM是一种细胞黏附分子，可能有助于轴突引导和/或细胞定位。结合行为学、解剖学和电生理学的方法，我们将从功能上识别、定位和表征DSCAM缺失突变小鼠的运动控制和运动功能。综上所述，这一系列实验将让我们更好地了解DSCAM对神经网络和运动功能发展的贡献。