Bellardita Lab

• Malwade S., Gasthaus J., BELLARDITA C., Andelic M., Moric B., Korshunova I., Kiehn O., Vasistha N. and Khodosevich K. Identification of vulnerable interneuron subtypes in 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome using single-cell transcriptomics. Biological Psychiatry (2021). 

• H. Wu, C. Petitpré, P. Fontanet, A. Sharma, BELLARDITA C., Y. Wang,1 J. A. Heimel, K. Cheung, S. Wanderoy, Y. Xuan, K.Meletis, J. Ruas, O. Kiehn, S. Hadjab, F. Lallemend, Distinct subtypes of proprioceptive dorsal root ganglion neurons regulate adaptive proprioception in mice. Nature Comunication (2021)

• Marcantoni M., Low P., Fusch A., Kiehn O., BELLARDITA C.. Early delivery and prolonged treatment with nimodipine prevent spasticity after spinal cord injury. Sc. Transl. Med. (2020).

• BELLARDITA C., Caggiano V., Leiras R., Caldeira V., Fuchs A., Bouvier J., Löw P, Kiehn O. Spatiotemporal correlation of spinal network dynamics underlying spasms in chronic spinalized mice. eLife (2017).

• Caggiano v. Leiras R., Goñi-Erro H., Masini D., BELLARDITA C., Bouvier J., Caldeira V., Fisone G., Kiehn O. Midbrain circuits that set locomotor speed and gait selection. Nature (2018).

• BELLARDITA C., Kiehn O. Phenotypic characterization of speed-associated gait changes in mice reveals modular organization of locomotor networks. Current Biology (2015).

We integrate different strategies to form a cohesive and multidimensional approach for understanding the neural basis of behavior, the effects of spinal cord injury, and potential avenues for intervention. We believe that by combining advanced techniques with genetic and viral tools, we can advance our knowledge of neural circuitry and enhance treatments for spinal cord injury. 

Spinal cord injury: transection or contusion (infinite Horizon impactor) at cervical, thoracic, or sacral levels. We investigate the effects of the injury on skilled and stereotyped voluntary movements of the forelimbs (skilled movement as grasping), hindlimbs (stereotyped movements as locomotion) tail (voluntary and spastic movements) and trunk. 

Behavioral profiling: tests to evaluate motor performance (walking, swimming, beam walking, treadmill, rope, pipe, ladder ect.) of the animal as well as tests for anxiety, depression, and other indirect consequences of brain/spinal injury. This approach helps us to address not only the physical aspects of motor function but also the broader psychological and emotional implications of spinal cord injuries. 

Monitoring of neural activity: Electrophysiology (patch-clamp, local field potential, optotagging, electromyography) and calcium imaging are the main strategies to investigate the role of a specific subset of neurons in a defined behavior. We take advantage of the genetic tools available for mice and combine distinct reporter mice or use viral approaches to express opsins, calcium indicators, and fluorescent labeling in a marker-specific fashion.  

Neuromodulation: as a powerful tool to unveil causal relationships between neural activity and behavioral responses, neuromodulation provides insight into the fundamental mechanisms at play. We employ perturbation of neural activity at different time scales (optogenetic and chemogenetic) with different strategies to block distinct cellular targets (pharmacological interference or viral delivery). These multifaceted approaches not only elucidate the neural underpinnings of behavior but also hold promise for translating research insights into impactful therapeutic interventions for motor impairments of spinal or supraspinal origins. 

Personalized rehabilitation protocols: In helping to translate biological discoveries into therapeutic interventions for SCI, we try to adapt assistive technologies to individual characteristics. For this, we use real-time extraction of performance features (encompassing metrics like body position, stance phase, and step cycle frequency) and use them as dynamic triggers for closed-loop stimulation (electrical or optical) of specific brain regions.  Additionally, we use electrophysiological signals (muscles or selected brain regions) to extract behaviorally relevant features of neural activity and further refine the precision and efficacy of intervention.

Neural Signal Processing: association and eventually causation of neural activity and behavioral action is our experimental aim. We harness the potential of combining large datasets of neural activity with imaging analysis (behavioral tests, calcium imaging, anatomical investigation, electrophysiology) using computational approaches. Affiliation to the Pioneer Center for Artificial Intelligence and a deep interest in signal and imaging processing are a core signature of all laboratory members.

See the full publication list of Carmelo Bellardita here.