Exploring Neural Circuitry and Purkinje Cell Changes Underlying Cerebellum-Dependent Motor Abnormalities in Down Syndrome

Exploring Neural Circuitry and Purkinje Cell Changes Underlying Cerebellum-Dependent Motor Abnormalities in Down Syndrome

Presenter(s)

Amelia Rhyne Moore

Comments

Presentation: 2:20-2:40, LTC Team Space

Description

Down syndrome (DS) is a commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder and is caused by the triplication of human chromosome 21 (Trisomy 21). Individuals with DS have a broad range of behavioral deficits in cognitive and motor domains. From previous studies, it has been found that the cerebellum- a region of the brain that is critical for locomotor learning and coordination- has altered developmental trajectory in DS. This includes atypical development of purkinje cells (PCs) which are the sole output neurons for the cerebellar cortex that impacts locomotor behavior. We will use the Ts65Dn model to look at the abnormal brain development and compare the results to euploid mouse brains as the control. Previous studies have shown that these inputs are important for proper motor learning. However, it is unknown if the motor deficits in DS are caused by altered synaptic input in the PCs. The aims of my research include- 1.) define potential changes of PCs in a mouse model of DS by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and 2.) define gait abnormalities using locomotor learning tasks- ErasmusLadder and RotaWheel. Future experiments will be targeted towards continuing to make connections between the circuitry and behavioral tests to advance the understanding of DS.

Publication Date

4-17-2024

Project Designation

Graduate Research

Primary Advisor

Aaron S. Sathyanesan

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Practical Wisdom

Exploring Neural Circuitry and Purkinje Cell Changes Underlying Cerebellum-Dependent Motor Abnormalities in Down Syndrome

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