Topic: deep cerebellar nuclei

The deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) are the principal output structure of the cerebellum, carrying the information sent by the Purkinje cells from the cerebellar cortex to extra-cerebellar structures. Although circuits recruiting the DCN were shown to modulate multiple motor and nonmotor functions, the mechanisms facilitating excitability and neurotransmission at their projection neurons are poorly understood. Various Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels were shown to regulate neuronal activity in the cerebellar cortex, whereas the characterization of their functional roles in the DCN

As we learn we are constantly processing sensory input to guide our purposeful behavior, creating a continuous perception-action loop. This interaction emphasizes the transformation of sensory information into motor output, influencing how we engage with our environment. Sensory cortices have been recently shown to send divergent projections to the cerebellum, a key motor control region. Our recent studies on corticocerebellar projections revealed unique pathways for auditory stimuli, highlighting structural and functional distinctions in auditory fields linked to locomotion. Our exploration o

The cerebellum enables accurate goal-directed movement1. This depends on feedback pathways of sensory inputs and motor outputs carried by spinocerebellar tract neurons 2. Despite, the main characterization of the ventral spinocerebellar tract (VSCT) sending hindlimb motor activity information to the cerebellum, the role of rostral spinocerebellar tract (RSCT) neurons is underexplored. Strikingly, how the cerebellum integrates incoming rostral spinocerebellar signals remains to be revealed. Here, I investigate how RSCT neurons impact the final cerebellar output, allowing the correct execution o

Social interaction is a dynamic process wherein individuals exert reciprocal influence on one another. This process encompasses diverse types of behaviors which are infrequently delineated and examined distinctly. Moreover, while the quest for the social brain has mainly focused on the cerebrum, recent evidence has unveiled the potential engagement of cerebellar mechanisms in the regulation of social interactions. In this light, we microinfused muscimol (a GABAa receptor agonist) or saline into the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) of mice and measured their social behaviors in a modified version o