Neural Control of Motor Functions
2008 Seed Grant
Kamal Sharma, Ph.D.
University of Chicago
Our long-term goal is to use genetic markers to identify neurons that regulate motor functions
and transgenic mouse models to understand their contribution to the rhythmic motor output. We
have identified a class of excitatory neurons located in the brainstem reticular formation and the
ventral spinal cord that express homeodomain factor Chx10. Genetic ablation of these neurons
in mice has revealed two distinct functions. Chx10 neurons in the brainstem regulate the
frequency and stability of the respiratory rhythm generated in the Pre-Bötzinger complex (PBC).
Chx10 neurons in the spinal cord regulate the locomotor network activity.
It is known that neurons in the hindbrain regulate breathing, walking and running. It is thought
that many motor related diseases affect the physiology of these neurons. Our goal is to identify
genetic markers for such neurons and to use transgenic and electrophysiological methods to
define their function.
