Characterization of Dmrt3-Derived Neurons Suggest a Role within Locomotor Circuits.
Abstract: Neuronal networks within the spinal cord, collectively known as the central pattern generator (CPG), coordinate rhythmic movements underlying locomotion. The transcription factor doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 3 (DMRT3) is involved in the differentiation of the dorsal interneuron 6 class of spinal cord interneurons. In horses, a non-sense mutation in the gene has major effects on gaiting ability, whereas mice lacking the gene display impaired locomotor activity. Although the gene is necessary for normal spinal network formation and function in mice, a direct role for -derived neurons in locomotor-related activities has not been demonstrated. Here we present the characteristics of the -derived spinal cord interneurons. Using transgenic mice of both sexes, we characterized interneurons labeled by their expression of Cre driven by the endogenous promoter. We used molecular, retrograde tracing and electrophysiological techniques to examine the anatomical, morphological, and electrical properties of the Dmrt3-Cre neurons. We demonstrate that inhibitory Dmrt3-Cre neurons receive extensive synaptic inputs, innervate surrounding CPG neurons, intrinsically regulate CPG neuron's electrical activity, and are rhythmically active during fictive locomotion, bursting at frequencies independent to the ventral root output. The present study provides novel insights on the character of spinal -derived neurons, data demonstrating that these neurons participate in locomotor coordination. In this work, we provide evidence for a role of the Dmrt3 interneurons in spinal cord locomotor circuits as well as molecular and functional insights on the cellular and microcircuit level of the Dmrt3-expressing neurons in the spinal cord. Dmrt3 neurons provide the first example of an interneuron population displaying different oscillation frequencies. This study presents novel findings on an under-reported population of spinal cord neurons, which will aid in deciphering the locomotor network and will facilitate the design and development of therapeutics for spinal cord injury and motor disorders.
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Publication Date: 2018-12-21 PubMed ID: 30578339PubMed Central: PMC6407301DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0326-18.2018Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research discusses how Dmrt3-derived spinal cord interneurons function within locomotor circuits, meaning they play a key role in coordinating rhythmic bodily movements, like walking. The study also reveals that these neurons participate in and contribute significantly to overall locomotor coordination.
Central Pattern Generator (CPG) and DMRT3
- The central pattern generator (CPG) is a network of neurons in the spinal cord that are responsible for rhythmic movements underlying locomotion.
- DMRT3 (doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor 3) is a transcription factor involved in the differentiation of a class of spinal cord interneurons, commonly referred to as the dorsal interneuron.
- Mutations in the DMRT3 gene have been linked to significant effects on gaiting ability in horses and impaired locomotor activity in mice, indicating its crucial role in normal spinal network formation and function.
Role of Dmrt3-Derived Neurons in Locomotor Circuits
- The study demonstrates for the first time a direct role for Dmrt3-derived neurons in locomotor-related activities.
- Using a combination of molecular, retrograde tracing, and electrophysiological techniques, the research outlines the anatomical, morphological, and electrical properties of the Dmrt3-Cre neurons.
- The results showed that Dmrt3-Cre neurons receive extensive synaptic inputs, directly innervate surrounding CPG neurons, regulate CPG neuron’s electrical activity, and are active during fictive locomotion with frequencies independently regulated from the ventral root output.
- The individuality of oscillation frequencies displayed by these neurons is a novel and significant finding.
Importance of this Research
- These discoveries provide a deeper understanding of the role of Dmrt3 interneurons in spinal cord locomotor circuits.
- This knowledge can be used to further our understanding of the locomotor network and can play an important role in the development of treatments for spinal cord injuries and motor disorders.
Cite This Article
APA
Perry S, Larhammar M, Vieillard J, Nagaraja C, Hilscher MM, Tafreshiha A, Rofo F, Caixeta FV, Kullander K.
(2018).
Characterization of Dmrt3-Derived Neurons Suggest a Role within Locomotor Circuits.
J Neurosci, 39(10), 1771-1782.
https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0326-18.2018 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden klas.kullander@neuro.uu.se martin.larhammar@gmail.com.
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden klas.kullander@neuro.uu.se martin.larhammar@gmail.com.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Central Pattern Generators
- Female
- Gene Knock-In Techniques
- Interneurons / cytology
- Interneurons / physiology
- Locomotion
- Male
- Membrane Potentials
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Neural Pathways / cytology
- Neural Pathways / physiology
- Spinal Cord / cytology
- Spinal Cord / physiology
- Transcription Factors / physiology
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