Biology subjects

Tao, H. W.

Publications and source records attributed to Tao, H. W..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Multi-scale spatial transcriptomic atlas of the whole mouse spinal cord

The spinal cord coordinates sensory, motor and autonomic functions through diverse neuronal and non-neuronal populations, yet how molecularly defined cell types are organized across its full extent remains incompletely understood. Here we use Stereo-seq to generate a genome-wide, single-cell-resolution spatial atlas of the whole adult mouse spinal cord. Profiling 322,827 cells across 81 anatomically registered transverse sections spanning cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral levels, we resolve 12 major cell classes and 94 transcriptomic subclusters. Major cell classes occupy characteristic anatomical territories conserved along the rostrocaudal axis, whereas individual subclusters exhibit reproducible laminar, mediolateral and segment-associated distributions. Transcriptome-wide analysis identifies coordinated spatial gene-expression modules that delineate anatomical domains independently of predefined cell-type labels. Notably, oligodendrocyte subtypes exhibit a distinct and reproducible laminar organization within spinal cord white matter across spinal levels, revealing finer structural subdivisions beyond conventional anatomical descriptions. Integrating cell-type identities with local spatial organization further defines hierarchical domains that recapitulate canonical anatomy while resolving finer subdivisions within established regions. Together, these findings define a multi-scale cellular architecture linking transcriptomic diversity, spatial gene-expression programs and anatomical organization throughout the spinal cord.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

Glutamatergic Neurons in caudal Pontine Reticular Nucleus (PRNc) Mediate Backward Locomotion in mice

Locomotion is essential for animals to adaptively navigate their environment. However, despite extensive investigation into neural mechanisms underlying forward movement, the brain circuits controlling backward locomotion, a critical motor behavior for navigating confined spaces and avoiding threats, remain poorly understood. Here, using a specially designed behavioral paradigm for backward locomotion in mice, we find that glutamatergic neurons in the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PRNc) are selectively activated during backward, but not forward, locomotion. Activity increase of these neurons is temporally aligned with backward movement, with its amplitude correlated with speed. Optogenetic manipulations further demonstrate that these neurons are both sufficient and necessary for initiating and sustaining backward walking. Moreover, anatomical tracing reveals that the PRNc broadly integrates bilateral cortical and subcortical inputs and projects extensively to brain-wide and spinal cord networks. These findings suggest PRNc as a previously unrecognized brainstem center in direction-specific locomotor control circuits. Key findings of this work and our initial identification of this brainstem locomotor node were presented at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting in November, 15th, 2025 (SfN Neuroscience 2025, San Diego, CA; Program No. PSTR027.02).

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2019

Anterograde Trans-Synaptic AAV Strategies for Probing Neural Circuitry

Elucidating the organization and function of neural circuits is greatly facilitated by viral tools that spread transsynaptically. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has been shown to exhibit anterograde transneuronal spread. However, the synaptic specificity of the spread and its broad application in various neural circuits remain to be explored. Here, using anatomical, functional, and molecular approaches, we provide strong evidence for the specifically preferential spread of AAV1 to post-synaptically connected neurons. Besides glutamatergic synapses made onto excitatory and inhibitory neurons, AAV1 also transsynaptically spreads through GABAergic synapses and effectively tags spinal cord neurons receiving long-distance projections from various brain regions, but exhibits little or no spread through neuromodulatory projections (e.g. serotonergic, cholinergic, and noradrenergic). Combined with newly designed intersectional and sparse labeling strategies, AAV1 can be utilized to categorize neurons according to their input sources, morphological and molecular identities. These properties make AAV a unique anterograde transsynaptic tool for establishing a comprehensive cell-atlas of the brain.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2019

Track-Control, an automatic video-based real-time closed-loop behavioral control toolbox

Approaches of optogenetic manipulation of neuronal activity have boosted our understanding of the functional architecture of brain circuits underlying various behaviors. In the meantime, rapid development in computer vision greatly accelerates the automation of behavioral analysis. Real-time and event-triggered interference is often necessary for establishing a tight correlation between neuronal activity and behavioral outcome. However, it is time consuming and easily causes variations when performed manually by experimenters. Here, we describe our Track-Control toolbox, a fully automated system with real-time object detection and low latency closed-loop hardware feedback. We demonstrate that the toolbox can be applied in a broad spectrum of behavioral assays commonly used in the neuroscience field, including open field, plus maze, Morris water maze, real-time place preference, social interaction, and sensory-induced defensive behavior tests. The Track-Control toolbox has proved an efficient and easy-to-use method with excellent flexibility for functional extension. Moreover, the toolbox is free, open source, graphic processing unit (GPU)-independent, and compatible across operating system (OS) platforms. Each lab can easily integrate Track-Control into their existing systems to achieve automation.

animal behavior and cognition↗