The populations of neurons in the spinal cord are critical for generating innate and conscious behaviors that enable animals to explore the environment, search for food, escape predators, and adapt to difficult situations. We have developed, and will continue to develop, advanced genetic approaches to target specific populations of neurons in the spinal cord and sensory ganglia and to study their function under physiological conditions and in disease. Understanding the role of each neuron type in sensory perception and motor execution during ethologically relevant behaviors is crucial to identify the causes of disease onset and its prognosis. This knowledge will be fundamental to identify the pathways needed to promote motor and sensory recovery in patients with neurodegenerative diseases or spinal cord injuries and to avoid the occurrence of side effects such as chronic pain, itching or convulsions.
What are we offering?
Intersectional genetics, 3D kinematic and EMG recordings in freely moving mice, chemogenetics, optogenetics, viral tracings
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To learn more about Dr. Graziana Gatto, follow her on ORCID, Mastodon, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Methods
- Intersectional genetics / Intersektionelle Genetik
- 3D kinematic reconstructions of sensorimotor behaviors / 3D-kinematische Rekonstruktionen des sensomotorischen Verhaltens
- EMG recordings in freely moving animals / EMG-Aufzeichnungen bei sich frei bewegenden Tieren
5 selected publications
- Gatto G, Bourane S, Ren X, Di Costanzo S, Fenton PK, Halder P, Seal PR, Goulding M. (2020) A functional topographic map for spinal sensorimotor reflexes. Neuron 109: 1-14.
- Peirs C, Williams SPG, Zhao X, Arokiaraj CM, Ferreira DW, Noh MC, Smith KM, Halder P., Corrigan KA, Gedeon JY, Lee S, Gatto G, Chi D, Goulding M, Ross SE, Seal PR. (2020) Mechanical allodynia circuitry in the dorsal horn defined by the nature of the injury. Neuron 109: 1-18.
- Gatto G, Smith KM, Ross SE, Goulding M. (2019) Neuronal diversity in the somatosensory system: bridging the gap between cell type and function. Current Opinion in Neurobiology 56: 167-174.
- Gatto G, Goulding M. (2018) Locomotion Control: Brainstem Circuits Satisfy the Need for Speed. Current Biology 28: 256-9.
- Koch SC, Garcia Del Barrio M, Dalet A, Gatto G, Günther T, Zhang J, Seidler B, Saur D, Schüle R, Goulding M. (2017) RORβ Spinal Interneurons Gate Sensory Transmission during Locomotion to Secure a Fluid Walking Gait. Neuron 17: 31064-4.
