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

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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.