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

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来匹配环境约束，而脊髓将下行指令转化为运动动作。运动功能的关键是大脑和脊髓中神经元网络的形成，这高度依赖于信号提示。其中一些信号被认为是引导生长的轴突到达正确的目标，而另一些则有助于整个中枢神经系统的细胞定位。利用基因技术，现在有可能通过基因缺失或沉默来改变小鼠的基因表达，从而使我们能够扩大和加深对神经运动网络发展至关重要的信号提示的理解。因此，我的研究计划侧重于这些信号线索之一DSCAM对神经运动网络正常发育的作用。DSCAM是一种细胞粘附分子，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，我们将识别、定位和功能表征去除DSCAM如何影响缺乏DSCAM突变小鼠的运动控制和运动。综上所述，这一系列的实验将使我们更好地了解DSCAM对神经网络和运动功能发展的贡献。

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.