Neural networks in the spinal cord can generate locomotion in the absence of rhythmic input from higher brain structures or sensory feedback because they contain an intrinsic source of excitation. However, the molecular identity of the spinal interneurons underlying the excitatory drive within the locomotor circuit has remained unclear. Using optogenetics, we show that activation of a molecularly defined class of ipsilateral premotor interneurons elicits locomotion. These interneurons represent the excitatory module of the locomotor networks and are sufficient to produce a coordinated swimming pattern in zebrafish. They correspond to the V2a interneuron class and express the transcription factor Chx10. They produce sufficient excitatory drive within the spinal networks to generate coordinated locomotor activity. Therefore, our results define the V2a interneurons as the excitatory module within the spinal locomotor networks that is sufficient to initiate and maintain locomotor activity.
This research output has an Altmetric Attention Score of 2. This is our high-level measure of the quality and quantity of online attention that it has received. This Attention Score, as well as the ranking and number of research outputs shown below, was calculated when the research output was last mentioned on 04 April 2014.
All research outputs
#23,359,763
of 34,457,357 outputs
Outputs from Journal of Neuroscience
#17,958
of 23,413 outputs
Outputs of similar age
#253,981
of 372,991 outputs
Outputs of similar age from Journal of Neuroscience
#183
of 271 outputs
Altmetric has tracked 34,457,357 research outputs across all sources so far. This one is in the 30th percentile – i.e., 30% of other outputs scored the same or lower than it.
So far Altmetric has tracked 23,413 research outputs from this source. They typically receive a lot more attention than average, with a mean Attention Score of 15.3. This one is in the 20th percentile – i.e., 20% of its peers scored the same or lower than it.
Older research outputs will score higher simply because they've had more time to accumulate mentions. To account for age we can compare this Altmetric Attention Score to the 372,991 tracked outputs that were published within six weeks on either side of this one in any source. This one is in the 30th percentile – i.e., 30% of its contemporaries scored the same or lower than it.
We're also able to compare this research output to 271 others from the same source and published within six weeks on either side of this one. This one is in the 28th percentile – i.e., 28% of its contemporaries scored the same or lower than it.
