The CorticalMLR project, led by Alberto Bacci and Nelson Rebola, focuses on characterizing the functional diversity of neurons within the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the MLR has been employed in treating Parkinsonism with varying success rates. Recent hypotheses suggest that the heterogeneous outcomes may stem from the diverse cellular composition within the MLR. Furthermore, the mechanisms linking DBS in the MLR to gait control remain incompletely understood. This interdisciplinary project employs electrophysiological and optogenetic techniques to comprehensively assess the functional diversity of MLR neurons in vivo. The objective is to elucidate how ascending feedback information from the different MLR nuclei control the emergence of internal states in the neocortex linked to distinct active behavioral states, particularly locomotion. We expect to contribute to a better understanding of MLR circuit diversity with the potential improvement of the design of new DBS strategies.
Contact: joana.guedes@icm-institute.org with the subject: “project CorticalMLR”
