PUBLICATION

A specialized spinal circuit for command amplification and directionality during escape behavior

Authors
Guan, N.N., Xu, L., Zhang, T., Huang, C.X., Wang, Z., Dahlberg, E., Wang, H., Wang, F., Pallucchi, I., Hua, Y., El Manira, A., Song, J.
ID
ZDB-PUB-211022-28
Date
2021
Source
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America   118(42): (Journal)
Registered Authors
Keywords
axo-axonic synapse, cholinergic V2a interneurons, escape directionality, spinal neural circuit
MeSH Terms
  • Interneurons/physiology
  • Animals
  • Locomotion/physiology
  • Behavior, Animal*
  • Spinal Cord/physiology*
  • Swimming/physiology
  • Zebrafish/physiology
(all 7)
PubMed
34663699 Full text @ Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
Abstract
In vertebrates, action selection often involves higher cognition entailing an evaluative process. However, urgent tasks, such as defensive escape, require an immediate implementation of the directionality of escape trajectory, necessitating local circuits. Here we reveal a specialized spinal circuit for the execution of escape direction in adult zebrafish. A central component of this circuit is a unique class of segmentally repeating cholinergic V2a interneurons expressing the transcription factor Chx10. These interneurons amplify brainstem-initiated escape commands and rapidly deliver the excitation via a feedforward circuit to all fast motor neurons and commissural interneurons to direct the escape maneuver. The information transfer within this circuit relies on fast and reliable axo-axonic synaptic connections, bypassing soma and dendrites. Unilateral ablation of cholinergic V2a interneurons eliminated escape command propagation. Thus, in vertebrates, local spinal circuits can implement directionality of urgent motor actions vital for survival.
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nns1TgTransgenic Insertion
    zf206EtTransgenic Insertion
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      Citation
      Guan, N.N., Xu, L., Zhang, T., Huang, C.X., Wang, Z., Dahlberg, E., Wang, H., Wang, F., Pallucchi, I., Hua, Y., El Manira, A., Song, J. (2021) A specialized spinal circuit for command amplification and directionality during escape behavior. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 118(42):.