Separation of Channels Subserving Approach and Avoidance/Escape at the Level of the Basal Ganglia and Related Brainstem Structures.

The basal ganglia have the key function of directing our behavior in the context of events from our environment and/or our internal state. This function relies on afferents targeting the main input structures of the basal ganglia, entering bids for action selection at the level of the striatum or signals for behavioral interruption at the level of the subthalamic nucleus, with behavioral reselection facilitated by dopamine signaling. Numerous experiments have studied action selection in relation to inputs from the cerebral cortex.

The Subthalamic Nucleus: A Hub for Sensory Control via Short Three- Lateral Loop Connections with the Brainstem?

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is classically subdivided into sensori-motor, associative and limbic regions, which is consistent with the involvement of this structure in not only motor control, but also in cognitive and emotional tasks. However, the function of the sensory inputs to the STN's sensori-motor territory is comparatively less well explored, although sensory responses have been reported in this structure. There is still a paucity of information regarding the characteristics of that subdivision and its potential functional role in basal ganglia processing and more widely in associated networks.

Gene replacement therapy provides benefit in an adult mouse model of Leigh syndrome.

Mutations in nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes are responsible for a broad spectrum of disorders among which Leigh syndrome is the most common in infancy. No effective therapies are available for this severe disease mainly because of the limited capabilities of the standard adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors to transduce both peripheral organs and the CNS when injected systemically in adults. Here, we used the brain-penetrating AAV-PHP.