Biology subjects

Poo, M.-m.

Publications and source records attributed to Poo, M.-m..

7 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

BCIJelly: An integrated ecosystem for brain-computer interface research

Brain-computer interface (BCI) research relies on multistage computational pipelines, but progress has been slowed by fragmented data formats, heterogeneous decoder implementations and hardware-specific deployment toolchains. Here, we introduce BCIJelly, a unified ecosystem that standardizes 18 BCI datasets into AI-ready inputs and integrates 15 benchmark decoders, 80 reusable modules, automated architecture search (AAS) and hardware-aware neuromorphic deployment. Our AAS constructs task-specific decoders without manual design and extends into a large language model (LLM)-driven closed-loop mode supporting single-task, multitask and cross-species decoder design. A single-command pipeline compiles trained decoders for neuromorphic hardware, reducing power consumption by 30 to 50 times while preserving decoding performance. An interactive visualization software enables code-free exploration of neural recordings and decoding outputs. BCIJelly is validated across five BCI paradigms (motor, visual, speech, emotion and auditory) in humans, macaques and mice, providing an extensible ecosystem connecting data standardization, decoder development, systematic evaluation and hardware-aware deployment for BCI research.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

Incorporation of single-neuron projectome-based connectivity motifs enhances the cortex-specific performance of artificial neural networks

The organizational principles of natural neural networks could inspire the new architecture design of artificial neural networks (ANNs). Analysis of single-neuron connectomes of mouse brains revealed distinct profiles of three-node connectivity motifs in various cortical areas and hippocampal formation. A connectome-informed neural network algorithm ("CINA") was developed to incorporate natural connectivity motifs into ANN algorithms represented by recurrent neural network (RNN) and transformer-based large language model (LLM). We found that incorporation of the average profile of cortical motifs improved the RNNs performance in noise-resistant categorization and motor learning benchmark tasks, as compared with RNNs with random connectivity. Notably, incorporating cortex-specific motifs further elevated the RNNs performance in tasks related to the cortical function, and this effect was enhanced by artificially increasing the bias in the motif profile. Similar experimental results were verified on an LLM using Motif-Transformer for natural language question answering and brain-signal decoding tasks. Graph-theoretic analyses showed that incorporating natural motifs drove the emergence of modular and small-world properties in ANNs. Together, we demonstrated not only connectome-inspired optimization of ANN architecture but also functional significance of specific motif profiles in various cortices.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Activation of hypothalamic-pontine-spinal pathway promotes locomotor initiation and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice

The hypothalamus is critical for regulating behaviors essential for survival and locomotion, but how it integrates internal needs and transmits locomotion commands to the spinal cord (SC) remains unclear. We found that glutamatergic neurons in lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) are essential for regulating motivated locomotor activity. Using single-neuron projectome analysis, trans-synaptic tracing, and optogenetic manipulation, we showed that LHA facilitates motivated locomotion during food seeking via pontine oral part (PnO) projection neurons, rather than direct SC projections or indirect stress signaling via medial septum and diagonal band. Activating PnO-SC projection neurons also initiated locomotion. Importantly, LHA-PnO projection neurons were crucial for regulating locomotor recovery following mouse spinal cord injury (SCI). Closed-loop deep brain stimulation (DBS) of LHA via gating by motor cortex signals markedly promoted long-term restoration of hindlimb motor functions after SCI. Thus, we have identified a hypothalamic-pontine- spinal pathway and the stimulation paradigm for potential therapeutic intervention after SCI.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

Projectome-defined subtypes and modular intra-hypothalamic subnetworks of peptidergic neurons

The hypothalamus plays a vital role in coordinating essential neuroendocrine, autonomic, and somatomotor responses for survival and reproduction. While previous studies have explored population-level projections of hypothalamic neurons, the specific innervation patterns of individual hypothalamic axons remain unclear. To understand the organization of hypothalamic axon projections, we conducted a comprehensive reconstruction of single-cell projectomes from 7,180 mouse hypothalamic neurons expressing specific neuropeptides. Our analysis identified 31 distinct subtypes based on projectome-defined characteristics, with many exhibiting long-range axon collateral projections to multiple brain regions. Notably, these subtypes selectively targeted specific subdomains within downstream areas, either unilaterally or bilaterally. Furthermore, we observed that individual peptidergic neuronal types encompassed multiple projectome-defined subtypes, explaining their diverse functional roles. Additionally, by examining intra-hypothalamic axon projections, we uncovered six modular subnetworks characterized by enriched intramodular connections and distinct preferences for downstream targets. This modular organization of the intra-hypothalamic network likely contributes to the coordinated organization of hypothalamic outputs. In summary, our comprehensive projectome analysis reveals the organizational principles governing hypothalamic axon projections, providing a framework for understanding the neural circuit mechanisms underlying the diverse and coordinated functions of the hypothalamus.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2021

Task-specific elevation of motor learning by conjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation

The optimal protocol for neuromodulation by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) remains unclear. Using rotarod paradigm, we found that mouse motor learning was enhanced by anodal tDCS (3.2 mA/cm2) during but not before or after task performance. Dual-task experiments showed that motor learning enhancement was specific to the task accompanied by concurrent anodal tDCS. Studies using stroke model mice induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) showed that concurrent anodal tDCS restored motor learning capability in a task-specific manner. Transcranial in vivo calcium imaging further showed that anodal and cathodal tDCS elevated and suppressed neuronal activity in the primary motor cortex (M1), respectively. Anodal tDCS specifically promoted the activity of task-related M1 neurons during task performance, suggesting that elevated Hebbian synaptic potentiation in task-activated circuits accounts for motor learning enhancement. Thus, application of tDCS concurrent with the targeted behavioral dysfunction could represent a more effective approach for treating brain disorders.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2020

Distinct natural syllable-selective neuronal ensembles in the primary auditory cortex of awake marmosets

Marmosets are highly social non-human primates living in families. They exhibit rich vocalization, but neural basis underlying complex vocal communication is largely unknown. Here we report the existence of specific neuronal ensembles in marmoset A1 that respond selectively to distinct monosyllable or disyllable calls made by conspecific marmosets. These neurons were spatially dispersed within A1 but distinct from those responsive to pure tones. Syllable-selective responses were markedly diminished when individual domains of the syllable were deleted or the domain sequence was altered, indicating the importance of global rather than local spectral-temporal properties of the sound. Disyllable-selective responses also disappeared when the sequence of the two monosyllable components was reversed or their interval was extended beyond 1 second. Light anesthesia largely abolished disyllable-selective responses. Our findings demonstrate extensive inhibitory and facilitory interactions among syllable-evoked responses, and provide the basis for further study of circuit mechanisms underlying vocal communication in awake non-human primates.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2018

Local Homogeneity of Tonotopic Organization in the Primary Auditory Cortex of Marmosets

Marmoset has emerged as a useful non-human primate species for studying the brain structure and function. Previous studies on the mouse primary auditory cortex (A1) showed that neurons with preferential frequency tuning responses are mixed within local cortical regions, despite a large-scale tonotopic organization. Here we found that frequency tuning properties of marmoset A1 neurons are highly uniform within local cortical regions. We first defined tonotopic map of A1 using intrinsic optical imaging, and then used in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of large neuronal populations to examine the tonotopic preference at the single-cell level. We found that tuning preferences of layer 2/3 neurons were highly homogeneous over hundreds of micrometers in both horizontal and vertical directions. Thus, marmoset A1 neurons are distributed in a tonotopic manner at both macro- and microscopic levels. Such organization is likely to be important for the organization of auditory circuits in the primate brain.

neuroscience↗