Neurons in the anterior brainstem control voluntary movement, motivated behavior, as well as associative learning. Defects in their function can lead to neuropsychiatric disease. Yet, it is poorly understood what kind of neurons are located in the anterior brainstem, how they differentiate in the embryonic brain, where they make contacts with their targets and how they differ from each other functionally. Here, with new innovative genetic approaches, we study the development, diversity and functions of the neurons in the mouse anterior brainstem. In particular, we are interested in the inhibitory and excitatory neurons associated with the dopamiergic and serotonergic systems. This research contributes to understanding the functional role of the anterior brainstem neurons in regulation of behavior. It also provides insights to disorders of movement, attention and motivation.

2020

2024