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Papers by Irene Pallucchi
Nature Neuroscience, Nov 1, 2023
Neuron, Mar 1, 2020
Highlights d V2a interneurons form three recurrent speed-dependent circuit modules d Inter-module... more Highlights d V2a interneurons form three recurrent speed-dependent circuit modules d Inter-module V2a connections show a faster-to-slower hierarchy of strength d A subset of V2a interneurons displays intrinsic pacemaker properties d Pacemaker properties and connectivity rules underlie locomotor start and speed
Neuron, Apr 1, 2021
Highlights d A central organ of proprioception exists in the spinal cord d Piezo2-expressing mech... more Highlights d A central organ of proprioception exists in the spinal cord d Piezo2-expressing mechanosensitive neurons sense lateral bending of spinal cord d These are inhibitory commissural neurons targeting the locomotor rhythm generator d Intraspinal proprioceptive feedback aligns movements with motor commands
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Oct 18, 2021
Frontiers in Neural Circuits, Sep 13, 2018
Locomotor behaviors are critical for survival and enable animals to navigate their environment, f... more Locomotor behaviors are critical for survival and enable animals to navigate their environment, find food and evade predators. The circuits in the brain and spinal cord that initiate and maintain such different modes of locomotion in vertebrates have been studied in numerous species for over a century. In recent decades, the zebrafish has emerged as one of the main model systems for the study of locomotion, owing to its experimental amenability, and work in zebrafish has revealed numerous new insights into locomotor circuit function. Here, we review the literature that has led to our current understanding of the neural circuits controlling swimming and escape in zebrafish. We highlight recent studies that have enriched our comprehension of key topics, such as the interactions between premotor excitatory interneurons (INs) and motoneurons (MNs), supraspinal and spinal circuits that coordinate escape maneuvers, and developmental changes in overall circuit composition. We also discuss roles for neuromodulators and sensory inputs in modifying the relative strengths of constituent circuit components to provide flexibility in zebrafish behavior, allowing the animal to accommodate changes in the environment. We aim to provide a coherent framework for understanding the circuitry in the brain and spinal cord of zebrafish that allows the animal to flexibly transition between different speeds, and modes, of locomotion.
Cell Reports, Apr 1, 2022
Locomotion is mediated by spinal circuits that generate movements with a precise coordination and... more Locomotion is mediated by spinal circuits that generate movements with a precise coordination and vigor. The assembly of these circuits is defined early during development; however, whether their organization and function remain invariant throughout development is unclear. Here, we show that the first established fast circuit between two dorsally located V2a interneuron types and the four primary motoneurons undergoes major transformation in adult zebrafish compared with what was reported in larvae. There is a loss of existing connections and establishment of new connections combined with alterations in the mode, plasticity, and strength of synaptic transmission. In addition, we show that this circuit no longer serves as a swim rhythm generator, but instead its components become embedded within the spinal escape circuit and control propulsion following the initial escape turn. Our results thus reveal significant changes in the organization and function of a motor circuit as animals develop toward adulthood.
STAR protocols, Dec 1, 2022
Current Biology, Aug 1, 2022
Current Biology
Highlights d V0d interneurons in larval zebrafish participate in high-speed locomotion d V0d inte... more Highlights d V0d interneurons in larval zebrafish participate in high-speed locomotion d V0d interneurons undergo a functional switch during development d In adult zebrafish, V0d interneurons participate in slow-speed swimming d Ablation of V0d diminishes mid-cycle inhibition during swimming in adult zebrafish
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2021
Significance We are constantly faced with a choice moving to the left or right; understanding how... more Significance We are constantly faced with a choice moving to the left or right; understanding how the brain solves the selection of action direction is of tremendous interest both from biological and clinical perspectives. In vertebrates, action selection is often considered to be the realm of higher cognitive processing. However, by combining electrophysiology, serial block-face electron microscopy, and behavioral analyses in zebrafish, we have revealed a pivotal role, as well as the full functional connectome of a specialized spinal circuit relying on strong axo-axonic synaptic connections. This includes identifying a class of cholinergic V2a interneurons and establishing that they act as a segmentally repeating hub that receives and amplifies escape commands from the brain to ensure the appropriate escape directionality.
Neuron, 2021
Highlights d A central organ of proprioception exists in the spinal cord d Piezo2-expressing mech... more Highlights d A central organ of proprioception exists in the spinal cord d Piezo2-expressing mechanosensitive neurons sense lateral bending of spinal cord d These are inhibitory commissural neurons targeting the locomotor rhythm generator d Intraspinal proprioceptive feedback aligns movements with motor commands
Neuron, 2020
Highlights d V2a interneurons form three recurrent speed-dependent circuit modules d Inter-module... more Highlights d V2a interneurons form three recurrent speed-dependent circuit modules d Inter-module V2a connections show a faster-to-slower hierarchy of strength d A subset of V2a interneurons displays intrinsic pacemaker properties d Pacemaker properties and connectivity rules underlie locomotor start and speed
Frontiers in Neural Circuits, 2018
Locomotor behaviors are critical for survival and enable animals to navigate their environment, f... more Locomotor behaviors are critical for survival and enable animals to navigate their environment, find food and evade predators. The circuits in the brain and spinal cord that initiate and maintain such different modes of locomotion in vertebrates have been studied in numerous species for over a century. In recent decades, the zebrafish has emerged as one of the main model systems for the study of locomotion, owing to its experimental amenability, and work in zebrafish has revealed numerous new insights into locomotor circuit function. Here, we review the literature that has led to our current understanding of the neural circuits controlling swimming and escape in zebrafish. We highlight recent studies that have enriched our comprehension of key topics, such as the interactions between premotor excitatory interneurons (INs) and motoneurons (MNs), supraspinal and spinal circuits that coordinate escape maneuvers, and developmental changes in overall circuit composition. We also discuss roles for neuromodulators and sensory inputs in modifying the relative strengths of constituent circuit components to provide flexibility in zebrafish behavior, allowing the animal to accommodate changes in the environment. We aim to provide a coherent framework for understanding the circuitry in the brain and spinal cord of zebrafish that allows the animal to flexibly transition between different speeds, and modes, of locomotion.
Cell Reports
Locomotion is mediated by spinal circuits that generate movements with a precise coordination and... more Locomotion is mediated by spinal circuits that generate movements with a precise coordination and vigor. The assembly of these circuits is defined early during development; however, whether their organization and function remain invariant throughout development is unclear. Here, we show that the first established fast circuit between two dorsally located V2a interneuron types and the four primary motoneurons undergoes major transformation in adult zebrafish compared with what was reported in larvae. There is a loss of existing connections and establishment of new connections combined with alterations in the mode, plasticity, and strength of synaptic transmission. In addition, we show that this circuit no longer serves as a swim rhythm generator, but instead its components become embedded within the spinal escape circuit and control propulsion following the initial escape turn. Our results thus reveal significant changes in the organization and function of a motor circuit as animals develop toward adulthood.
Nature Neuroscience, Nov 1, 2023
Neuron, Mar 1, 2020
Highlights d V2a interneurons form three recurrent speed-dependent circuit modules d Inter-module... more Highlights d V2a interneurons form three recurrent speed-dependent circuit modules d Inter-module V2a connections show a faster-to-slower hierarchy of strength d A subset of V2a interneurons displays intrinsic pacemaker properties d Pacemaker properties and connectivity rules underlie locomotor start and speed
Neuron, Apr 1, 2021
Highlights d A central organ of proprioception exists in the spinal cord d Piezo2-expressing mech... more Highlights d A central organ of proprioception exists in the spinal cord d Piezo2-expressing mechanosensitive neurons sense lateral bending of spinal cord d These are inhibitory commissural neurons targeting the locomotor rhythm generator d Intraspinal proprioceptive feedback aligns movements with motor commands
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Oct 18, 2021
Frontiers in Neural Circuits, Sep 13, 2018
Locomotor behaviors are critical for survival and enable animals to navigate their environment, f... more Locomotor behaviors are critical for survival and enable animals to navigate their environment, find food and evade predators. The circuits in the brain and spinal cord that initiate and maintain such different modes of locomotion in vertebrates have been studied in numerous species for over a century. In recent decades, the zebrafish has emerged as one of the main model systems for the study of locomotion, owing to its experimental amenability, and work in zebrafish has revealed numerous new insights into locomotor circuit function. Here, we review the literature that has led to our current understanding of the neural circuits controlling swimming and escape in zebrafish. We highlight recent studies that have enriched our comprehension of key topics, such as the interactions between premotor excitatory interneurons (INs) and motoneurons (MNs), supraspinal and spinal circuits that coordinate escape maneuvers, and developmental changes in overall circuit composition. We also discuss roles for neuromodulators and sensory inputs in modifying the relative strengths of constituent circuit components to provide flexibility in zebrafish behavior, allowing the animal to accommodate changes in the environment. We aim to provide a coherent framework for understanding the circuitry in the brain and spinal cord of zebrafish that allows the animal to flexibly transition between different speeds, and modes, of locomotion.
Cell Reports, Apr 1, 2022
Locomotion is mediated by spinal circuits that generate movements with a precise coordination and... more Locomotion is mediated by spinal circuits that generate movements with a precise coordination and vigor. The assembly of these circuits is defined early during development; however, whether their organization and function remain invariant throughout development is unclear. Here, we show that the first established fast circuit between two dorsally located V2a interneuron types and the four primary motoneurons undergoes major transformation in adult zebrafish compared with what was reported in larvae. There is a loss of existing connections and establishment of new connections combined with alterations in the mode, plasticity, and strength of synaptic transmission. In addition, we show that this circuit no longer serves as a swim rhythm generator, but instead its components become embedded within the spinal escape circuit and control propulsion following the initial escape turn. Our results thus reveal significant changes in the organization and function of a motor circuit as animals develop toward adulthood.
STAR protocols, Dec 1, 2022
Current Biology, Aug 1, 2022
Current Biology
Highlights d V0d interneurons in larval zebrafish participate in high-speed locomotion d V0d inte... more Highlights d V0d interneurons in larval zebrafish participate in high-speed locomotion d V0d interneurons undergo a functional switch during development d In adult zebrafish, V0d interneurons participate in slow-speed swimming d Ablation of V0d diminishes mid-cycle inhibition during swimming in adult zebrafish
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2021
Significance We are constantly faced with a choice moving to the left or right; understanding how... more Significance We are constantly faced with a choice moving to the left or right; understanding how the brain solves the selection of action direction is of tremendous interest both from biological and clinical perspectives. In vertebrates, action selection is often considered to be the realm of higher cognitive processing. However, by combining electrophysiology, serial block-face electron microscopy, and behavioral analyses in zebrafish, we have revealed a pivotal role, as well as the full functional connectome of a specialized spinal circuit relying on strong axo-axonic synaptic connections. This includes identifying a class of cholinergic V2a interneurons and establishing that they act as a segmentally repeating hub that receives and amplifies escape commands from the brain to ensure the appropriate escape directionality.
Neuron, 2021
Highlights d A central organ of proprioception exists in the spinal cord d Piezo2-expressing mech... more Highlights d A central organ of proprioception exists in the spinal cord d Piezo2-expressing mechanosensitive neurons sense lateral bending of spinal cord d These are inhibitory commissural neurons targeting the locomotor rhythm generator d Intraspinal proprioceptive feedback aligns movements with motor commands
Neuron, 2020
Highlights d V2a interneurons form three recurrent speed-dependent circuit modules d Inter-module... more Highlights d V2a interneurons form three recurrent speed-dependent circuit modules d Inter-module V2a connections show a faster-to-slower hierarchy of strength d A subset of V2a interneurons displays intrinsic pacemaker properties d Pacemaker properties and connectivity rules underlie locomotor start and speed
Frontiers in Neural Circuits, 2018
Locomotor behaviors are critical for survival and enable animals to navigate their environment, f... more Locomotor behaviors are critical for survival and enable animals to navigate their environment, find food and evade predators. The circuits in the brain and spinal cord that initiate and maintain such different modes of locomotion in vertebrates have been studied in numerous species for over a century. In recent decades, the zebrafish has emerged as one of the main model systems for the study of locomotion, owing to its experimental amenability, and work in zebrafish has revealed numerous new insights into locomotor circuit function. Here, we review the literature that has led to our current understanding of the neural circuits controlling swimming and escape in zebrafish. We highlight recent studies that have enriched our comprehension of key topics, such as the interactions between premotor excitatory interneurons (INs) and motoneurons (MNs), supraspinal and spinal circuits that coordinate escape maneuvers, and developmental changes in overall circuit composition. We also discuss roles for neuromodulators and sensory inputs in modifying the relative strengths of constituent circuit components to provide flexibility in zebrafish behavior, allowing the animal to accommodate changes in the environment. We aim to provide a coherent framework for understanding the circuitry in the brain and spinal cord of zebrafish that allows the animal to flexibly transition between different speeds, and modes, of locomotion.
Cell Reports
Locomotion is mediated by spinal circuits that generate movements with a precise coordination and... more Locomotion is mediated by spinal circuits that generate movements with a precise coordination and vigor. The assembly of these circuits is defined early during development; however, whether their organization and function remain invariant throughout development is unclear. Here, we show that the first established fast circuit between two dorsally located V2a interneuron types and the four primary motoneurons undergoes major transformation in adult zebrafish compared with what was reported in larvae. There is a loss of existing connections and establishment of new connections combined with alterations in the mode, plasticity, and strength of synaptic transmission. In addition, we show that this circuit no longer serves as a swim rhythm generator, but instead its components become embedded within the spinal escape circuit and control propulsion following the initial escape turn. Our results thus reveal significant changes in the organization and function of a motor circuit as animals develop toward adulthood.