Production of movements by the brain and spinal cord

2007 Impact statement
  • Fetcho, Joseph R.

abstract

We are attempting to understand how the brain and spinal cord produce movements.

submitted by

issue being addressed

Neurological diseases as well spinal cord injury affect the ability of people to move properly. We need to understand how normal movements are produced by the brain and spinal cord so that we can restore function after injury or disease.

response

We have been studying the wiring of circuits in the spinal cord and have identified classes of nerve cells that are critical for producing properly coordinated movements. We did this by using an animal model (zebrafish) in which we can image the structure and function of nerve cells in the intact animal.

impact assessment

By understanding how normal movements are produced, we can better develop strategies to repair the nervous system after damage, such as after spinal injury or as a consequence of diseases that affect movements.

academic priority area

has geographic focus

funding source description

National Institutes of Health

collaborators

  • Institute for Physiological Sciences
  • University of Chicago

key personnel

  • same as last year plus
  • Minoru Koyama

mission focus

From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008