Topic: locomotor-related spinal circuits

The axolotl has extraordinary regenerative capabilities, and the axolotl tail is particularly suitable to study regeneration of the spinal cord and locomotor-related spinal circuits because it possesses all relevant structures that are found further up the body axis. Using molecular genetic analysis, GCaMP imaging and optogenetics, I aim to investigate the patterning and functionality of the regenerated nervous system on multiple levels from sensory input to activity to motion: (1) projection patterns, connectivity, and muscle innervation within and across muscle segments; (2) swimming behavio