Sensory neurons in the spinal cord of zebrafish and their local connectivity

Abstract

Sensory neurons of the spinal cord provide critical information on the internal and external environment. We review recent work that has made significant strides in elucidating the structure and function of two such neurons, excitatory Rohon-Beard neurons and inhibitory cerebrospinal fluid contacting neurons. These studies provide newfound appreciation for the diversity within each of these cell types and for the high complexity of sensory inputs to motor circuits in the spinal cord. We highlight research that links sensory neurons and spinal circuits to behaviors, leveraging the zebrafish as a powerhouse system to interrogate whole, intact circuitry in a behaving animal.