Our Research

Our research aims to understand the organization of neuronal circuitry in the spinal cord that enables flexible and skilled control of movement. Spinal circuits are highly complex and diversified, and we have little understanding of how these circuits work or how disruption of their activity can lead to disease states like ALS.

Just as curious is how the brain controls spinal circuits. A major focus of our research is uncovering the function and anatomy of a specific population of cells called corticospinal neurons. Corticospinal neurons influence movement by directly controlling spinal cord activity, but also contribute to behavior indirectly through many other brain regions.

On top of this, skilled movement critically depends on accurate information about the sensory periphery, as well as feedback from the body’s position in its environment. We are invested in uncovering the organization and function of circuits that relay this information from the spinal cord to the brain.

In the lab we use a suite of advanced anatomical tracing and electrophysiological methods to discover and map neuronal circuits. We combine this approach with myriad neuronal recording techniques and behavioral assays to understand how these circuits contribute to skilled movement.

Approach

Circuit Dissection

We use a combination of intersectional and trans-synaptic tracing, optogenetics-assisted electrophysiology, RNA sequencing, among other methods to characterize the organization of brain and spinal neural circuits - with exacting detail.

Neuronal Recordings

To characterize functionally-relevant neuronal activity, we combine multiphoton calcium imaging microscopy with myriad cell-type specific circuit capture methods. We also use traditional electrophysiological methods when warranted.

Behavioral Assays

We use behavioral assays that leverage the functional specializations of sensorimotor cortex, subcortex, and spinal cord neuronal diversity.

Support

Anders is a recipient of the K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (2020-2025) a NARSAD grant, and a Klingenstein-Simons fellowship. Before that, Anders was an HHMI scholar of the Helen Hay Whitney Fellowship (2017-2020) for his postdoctoral studies.