Red Nucleus Excitatory Neurons Initiate Directional Motor Movement in Mice.

: The red nucleus (RN) is a phylogenetically conserved structure within the midbrain that is traditionally associated with general motor coordination; however, its specific role in controlling directional movement remains poorly understood. : This study systematically investigates the function and mechanism of RN neurons in directional movement by combining stereotactic brain injections, fiber photometry recordings, multi-unit in vivo electrophysiological recordings, optogenetic manipulation, and anterograde trans-synaptic tracing. : We analyzed mice performing standardized T-maze turning tasks and revealed that anatomically distinct RN neuronal ensembles exhibit direction-selective activity patterns.

The zona incerta negatively regulates the red nucleus during movement cued by sound signals.

Auditory signal-cued behaviors rely on a sophisticated neural network. While extensive research has focused on auditory processing and decision-making, the neural circuits governing motor coordination for goal-directed actions remain poorly understood. The red nucleus (RN) is essential for motor coordination, whereas the zona incerta (ZI) plays a key role in modulating sensorimotor circuits.

Sex-specific hypothalamic neuropathology and glucose metabolism in an amyloidosis transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Background: Amyloid toxicity and glucose metabolic disorders are key pathological features during the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). While the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating systemic energy balance, the distribution of amyloid plaques in the preoptic, anterior, tuberal, and mammillary regions of the hypothalamus in AD mice, particularly across both sexes, remains largely unclear. Our ongoing research aims to explore hypothalamic neuropathology and glucose metabolic disturbances in a well-described APP/PS1 mouse model of AD.