Descending control of spinal circuits in health and disease (A09*)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431549029

Project A09 investigates the roles of two descending neural pathways connecting the cortex and the spinal cord, the monosynaptic corticospinal and the polysynaptic cortico-striatal-spinal pathways. Using a combination of cell type-specific in vivo calcium imaging, chemogenetic manipulations, and dense behavioral recordings in mouse models, we elucidate the connectivity and functions of both pathways, and their alterations in Huntington’s disease. Project A09 advances our understanding of descending control of spinal locomotor circuits in health and disease.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1451: Key mechanisms of motor control in health and disease
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Professorin Irina Dudanova, Ph.D.; Professorin Graziana Gatto, Ph.D.