title: Genetic analysis of left-right coordination of locomotion .
abstract: While there is a rather large amount of data from pharmacological and anatomical studies of the murine locomotor CPG network, comprehensive information regarding the cellular and functional properties of the neuronal populations is lacking. Here we describe concepts arising from genetic studies of the locomotor network with a focus on commissural interneurons regulating left-right coordination. In particular, this involves several families of axon guidance molecules relevant for midline crossing. We also describe recent advances within the field of neural circuit analysis, including imaging, genetic inactivation and optogenetic strategies, which are applicable to locomotor circuits. Such efforts, for example by using available genetic markers, should substantially increase our possibilities to decipher the functionality of spinal cord neuronal networks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Box 593, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
authors.forename: Nadine Rabe
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Bernhardt
authors.forename: Fatima
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Memic
authors.forename: Klas
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kullander
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D007395:Interneurons / Q000502:physiology*; D008124:Locomotion / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D000075388:Netrin-1; D051381:Rats; D036081:Receptors, Eph Family / Q000502:physiology; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics; D039961:Semaphorins / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D000097905:Roundabout Proteins; D000098552:Slit Homolog 2 Protein
chemical_list: D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D000075388:Netrin-1; D036081:Receptors, Eph Family; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D039961:Semaphorins; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins; D000097905:Roundabout Proteins; D000098552:Slit Homolog 2 Protein