Topic: Presynaptic inhibition

Chemogenetic techniques have broadened our understanding of how early activity shapes developing brain circuits. A widely used chemogenetic actuator is hM4Di, which employs Gi/o-protein signaling for neuronal inhibition. However, its single-cellular mechanisms and efficacy in neurons with immature Gi/o signaling are elusive. Here, we investigate the applicability of transgenically expressed hM4Di for silencing pyramidal cells in the hippocampus of neonatal mice. Electrophysiological recordings from CA1 pyramidal cells demonstrate that hM4Di does not mediate hyperpolarization or shunting and, i

Mechanosensory neurons across the body have axon projections that terminate in distinct arborizations in the brain corresponding to body location. These somatotopically-organized projections provide the interface with neural circuits that direct body location-appropriate behavioral responses, such as aimed grooming. Using electron microscopy-based reconstructions, we investigate how circuits transform mechanical stimulations into location-appropriate behavior. We previously described the somatotopic organization of bristle mechanosensory neurons (BMNs) around the Drosophila head that elicit a