Control of movement: contribution of cerebellar glial cells.

Our ability to walk is dependent on sensory input from our environment. A region in the brain known as the cerebellum integrates this sensory information to allow for coordinated movement, and is essential to maintain important functions when walking such as balance. Defects in the cerebellum can lead to changes in coordinated gait and put people at an increased risk of falling. We have identified a unique contribution of a protein found in cell type known as glia in the cerebellum. Mice lacking this protein show defects in coordinated gait including balance. We will characterize the role this protein has in establishing and controlling cerebellar circuits necessary for walking. Interestingly, the gene that we have identified has been implicated in patients with schizophrenia. People diagnosed with schizophrenia have movement disruptions linked to defects in cerebellar function. Together this work will contribute to our understanding of the role cerebellar glial cells play in movement, but also provide a unique understanding of the function of the cerebellum in schizophrenia.