Circuits and genetics of the spatial-motor network

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Virtually nothing is known about the genetic diversity of neurons controlling the metric of motion and how such diversity contributes to function. We now have an opportunity to investigate such circuits at the genetic level. 

Our aim is to understand whether the genetic identity of a neuron can predict the function that it subtends during the execution of goal-oriented movements.

In order to comprehensively assess the genetic heterogeneity of neurons involved in the control of targeted movements we isolate them and screen their gene expression profiles. 

After characterising the genetic heterogeneity of neurons contributing to spatially tuned movements we first assess the intrinsic properties of genetically identified circuits elements by whole-cell patch recordings in slices. Following, we characterise their role in vivo during motor execution.

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