Respiratory circuits: development, function and models

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Respiratory Physiology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Breathing is a vital rhythmic motor behavior controlled by hindbrain neuronal networks.
• Two primary rhythmogenic networks, the pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC) and the retrotrapezoïd nucleus/parafacial respiratory group (RTN/pFRG), generate respiratory motor output.
• These networks are functionally interconnected and crucial for maintaining respiration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding the genetic specification of neurons within the preBötC and RTN/pFRG.
• To elucidate the distinct roles of these networks in respiratory function and their interaction within a functional circuit.
• To describe the consequences of disrupting these networks, as observed in developmental disorders and experimental models.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on respiratory control networks.
• Analysis of genetic specification of neuronal constituents.
• Examination of lesion studies and transgenic animal models.
• Discussion of computational modeling approaches.

Main Results:

• Recent studies have advanced the delineation of genetic factors specifying the neuronal components of the preBötC and RTN/pFRG.
• The distinct contributions of each network to respiratory rhythm generation and regulation are becoming clearer.
• Disruptions to these networks, evident in developmental disorders and experimental models, often lead to severe respiratory dysfunction and lethality.
• Computational models are increasingly used to understand the complex dynamics of these neural circuits.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis and functional interactions of the preBötC and RTN/pFRG is essential for respiratory control.
• Insights gained from studying network disruptions highlight their critical role in health and disease.
• Computational modeling offers a powerful tool for further unraveling the mechanisms of respiratory network function and regulation.