Grant: Operating Grant

Neural networks located entirely within the spinal cord are responsible for generating much of the timing and pattern of muscle activation required for locomotor movements. These neural networks are known as central pattern generators (CPGs) and are composed of multiple interneuron cell types. Little is known about the structure or mechanism of function of the locomotor CPG in walking mammals, primarily because of our inability to identify their intrinsic interneuronal components. Recently, a genetic approach has been used to identify distinct populations of interneurons in the spinal cord based on transcription factor expression. Preliminary work has shown that some of these populations comprise essential components of the locomotor CPG. Work in my laboratory will use this approach to characterize and assess the function of a specific interneuronal population that we believe to be important for locomotor rhythm generation. These studies will help us to understand how locomotor CPGs are assembled and function and may help to devise therapies aimed at enhancing functional recovery of movement after spinal cord injury.