Cells and Circuits for Spinal Cord Motor Control

Abstract

The spinal cord is the major link between the brain and the body. It receives cues from the cortex, the brainstem, and other sources, and transforms these diverse inputs into behavior. We seek to understand how the diverse cell types of the spinal cord function together to mediate normal behavior. Ultimately, we hope to use this knowledge to improve recovery for patients with stroke and spinal cord injury. We are guided by three key questions: What are the cell types of the mammalian spinal cord? How do specific spinal cord cell types contribute to motor control? And, how are spinal cord cells incorporated into central nervous system-wide circuits for behavior?