Kelsey Wink
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Peng Li
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Life Sciences Institute / Other
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 6 – 4:40pm – 5:30 pm
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Kelsey Wink, Xingyu Li, Peng Li
Presenter: 15
Abstract
Breathing is an essential part of life. It not only adapts to all different types of conditions such as coughing, sighing, sleeping, and emotions, but also impacts the brain states. However, the neuronal circuits underlying these functions remain elusive. The goal of this project is to obtain a better understanding of the brain connectivity of a brainstem breathing control center called the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC). This region is the core of the breathing central pattern generator (CPG) and is believed to be the inspiratory rhythm generator. To achieve this, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which is an anterograde neuronal tracer, is injected into the preBötC. The downstreams of the preBötC are labeled by the fluorescent reporter encoded in the anterograde tracer. From there, I am able to identify the brain regions that receive the inputs from the preBötC neurons, which may underlie the neuronal mechanisms of how preBötC neurons are connected to other brain regions to regulate behaviors and emotions.
Interdisciplinary, Natural/Life Sciences
