Control of skilled movement by the cerebellar interposed anterior nucleus

As the output channels of the cerebellum, the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) represent an important element of cerebellar circuits for control of voluntary movements. In this study, we address the role of neurons in the DCN using the Ucn3::Cre mouse which drives recombination in the interposed anterior nucleus (IntA). Manipulation of IntA neurons resulted in deficits in the kinematic parameters of limb movement during skilled reaching and locomotion. Furthermore, IntA neurons were also found to reduce activity in extensor muscle synergies. Finally, we present anatomical evidence that suggests neurons in the IntA nucleus may influence movement through cerebello-thalamo-cortical and/or rubrospinal pathways. Together, we identified a novel genetic tool for the interrogation of the connectivity and function of the IntA nucleus and defined the functional significance of a subpopulation of neurons in the IntA nucleus.Doctor of Philosoph