Correlation Analysis of Molecularly-Defined Cortical Interneuron Populations with Morpho-Electric Properties in Layer V of Mouse Neocortex / 神经科学通报·英文版

Cortical interneurons can be categorized into distinct populations based on multiple modalities, including molecular signatures and morpho-electrical (M/E) properties. Recently, many transcriptomic signatures based on single-cell RNA-seq have been identified in cortical interneurons. However, whether different interneuron populations defined by transcriptomic signature expressions correspond to distinct M/E subtypes is still unknown. Here, we applied the Patch-PCR approach to simultaneously obtain the M/E properties and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of >600 interneurons in layer V of the mouse somatosensory cortex (S1). Subsequently, we identified 11 M/E subtypes, 9 neurochemical cell populations (NCs), and 20 transcriptomic cell populations (TCs) in this cortical lamina. Further analysis revealed that cells in many NCs and TCs comprised several M/E types and were difficult to clearly distinguish morpho-electrically. A similar analysis of layer V interneurons of mouse primary visual cortex (V1) and motor cortex (M1) gave results largely comparable to S1. Comparison between S1, V1, and M1 suggested that, compared to V1, S1 interneurons were morpho-electrically more similar to M1. Our study reveals the presence of substantial M/E variations in cortical interneuron populations defined by molecular expression.

Advance in Neural Regulation Networks of Anticipatory Postural Adjustments (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

The generation and execution of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) depend on the complex distributed neural networks, involving cerebral cortex (including premotor cortex and primary motor area), thalamus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and divided into stratified mode and parallel mode. The basal ganglia and premotor cortex contribute to code the motor planning of APAs. Supplementary motor area and pedunculopontine nucleus in the brainstem co-regulate the timing of APAs. Primary motor area projects cortical motor fibers to target area during the initiation of APAs. The pontomedullary reticular formation integrates and projects fibers to the spinal cord. The cerebellum is mainly related to the coordinated coupling of muscles during APAs.

Research progress about brain-computer interface technology based on cognitive brain areas and its applications in rehabilitation / 生物医学工程学杂志

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology enable humans to interact with external devices by decoding their brain signals. Despite it has made some significant breakthroughs in recent years, there are still many obstacles in its applications and extensions. The current used BCI control signals are generally derived from the brain areas involved in primary sensory- or motor-related processing. However, these signals only reflect a limited range of limb movement intention. Therefore, additional sources of brain signals for controlling BCI systems need to be explored. Brain signals derived from the cognitive brain areas are more intuitive and effective. These signals can be used for expand the brain signal sources as a new approach. This paper reviewed the research status of cognitive BCI based on the single brain area and multiple hybrid brain areas, and summarized its applications in the rehabilitation medicine. It's believed that cognitive BCI technologies would become a possible breakthrough for future BCI rehabilitation applications.