PhD position: Dopaminergic control of locomotor circuits

The locomotor role of dopaminergic cells is classically attributed to their ascending projections to the basal ganglia that project to brainstem locomotor circuits. However, descending projections to brainstem locomotor circuits were uncovered (Ryczko et al. PNAS 2013, PNAS 2016, J Neurosci 2017, J Neurosci 2020). In lamprey, this descending pathway increases locomotor activity. In mammals, the role of such innervation remains to be determined.
The student will address this issue in mice using in vivo optogenetics, fiber photometry, movement analysis, patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and viral tracing. The new knowledge will provide a better understanding of the relation between dopaminergic and locomotor neurons and help identify new clinical strategies to improve locomotor function in Parkinson’s disease.

HOST LABORATORY: Pr. Ryczko has expertise in the neural control of locomotion and published research in excellent journals (PNAS, Science, Journal of Neuroscience…). The lab receives grant support by the CIHR, NSERC, FRQS, CFI and ERC. We are equipped for optogenetics, viral injections, patch-clamp recordings, confocal and two photon calcium imaging, high-resolution movement analysis based on deep learning, and microscopy (confocal, light-sheet, two-photon, STED). Sherbrooke is located at the heart of the Canadian nature and offers one of the best quality of life in Canada.

REQUIREMENTS: The candidate should have obtained a master's degree in neuroscience. An asset for the candidate would be to have experience in optogenetics, electrophysiology or calcium imaging, and a keen interest in motor control.