Selective vulnerability of the ventral hippocampus-prelimbic cortex axis parvalbumin interneuron network underlies learning deficits of fragile X mice.

High-penetrance mutations affecting mental health can involve genes ubiquitously expressed in the brain. Whether the specific patterns of dysfunctions result from ubiquitous circuit deficits or might reflect selective vulnerabilities of targetable subnetworks has remained unclear. Here, we determine how loss of ubiquitously expressed fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), the cause of fragile X syndrome, affects brain networks in Fmr1y/- mice.

Structural and functional map for forelimb movement phases between cortex and medulla.

The cortex influences movement by widespread top-down projections to many nervous system regions. Skilled forelimb movements require brainstem circuitry in the medulla; however, the logic of cortical interactions with these neurons remains unexplored. Here, we reveal a fine-grained anatomical and functional map between anterior cortex (AC) and medulla in mice.

Functional diversity for body actions in the mesencephalic locomotor region.

The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) is a key midbrain center with roles in locomotion. Despite extensive studies and clinical trials aimed at therapy-resistant Parkinson's disease (PD), debate on its function remains. Here, we reveal the existence of functionally diverse neuronal populations with distinct roles in control of body movements.

A functional map for diverse forelimb actions within brainstem circuitry.

The brainstem is a key centre in the control of body movements. Although the precise nature of brainstem cell types and circuits that are central to full-body locomotion are becoming known, efforts to understand the neuronal underpinnings of skilled forelimb movements have focused predominantly on supra-brainstem centres and the spinal cord. Here we define the logic of a functional map for skilled forelimb movements within the lateral rostral medulla (latRM) of the brainstem.

Towards combinatorial transcriptional engineering.

The modular nature of the transcriptional unit makes it possible to design robust modules with predictable input-output characteristics using a ‘parts- off a shelf’ approach. Customized regulatory circuits composed of multiple such transcriptional units have immense scope for application in diverse fields of basic and applied research. Synthetic transcriptional engineering seeks to construct such genetic cascades.