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Phone: 212-241-8120 E-mail: jian.jing@mssm.edu
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Research
Selected Publications
Jian Jing institutional webpage
Interneuronal functions in complex behaviors
We study neural basis of behavior using model systems, such as small neural networks in the marine mollusk, Aplysia. Our research emphasizes complex behaviors rather than reflexes. We currently focus on three fundamental problems in the generation of behavior, neural coding, behavioral selection/coordination, and neuromodulation. Because these functions are to a large extent implemented by interneurons, a major goal of our research is to study functions of interneurons. We study neural circuits in considerable detail, both in terms of component neurons, and synaptic connections between these neurons. Furthermore, we identify the neurotransmitters/neuromodulators in these neurons using a variety of techniques, and study the functions of these neurotransmitters.
In recent work, we have worked on two molluscan preparations. In Pleurobranchaea, we studied how neural circuits for different behaviors interact to select appropriate behaviors. In Aplysia, we studied how a multifunctional neural network, by using overlapping sets of motoneurons/muscles, produces multiple related behaviors. Much of the work illustrates that interneurons play important roles in a variety of behaviors, and neural coding, behavioral selection/coordination, and neuromodulation are critical components of neural basis of behavior. In addition, basic principles uncovered in these systems have implications for similar problems in higher animals, including vertebrates.
| Jing J. Command systems. in The New Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, edited by Larry Squire et al., in press. |
Sasaki K, Jing J, Due MR, Weiss KR. An input-representing interneuron regulates spike timing and thereby phase switching in a motor network. J Neurosci. 2008 Feb;28(8):1916-1928. Read as PDF |
| Wu J-S, Due MR, Sasaki K, Proekt A, Jing J, Weiss KR. State dependence of spike timing and neuronal function in a motor pattern generating network. J Neurosci. 2007 October; 27(40):10818-10831. Read as PDF |
| Proekt A, Jing J, Weiss KR. Multiple contributions of an input-representing neuron to the dynamics of the Aplysia feeding network. J Neurophysiol. 2007 April: 97(4): 3046-56.
Read as PDF |
| Jing J, Vilim FS, Horn CC, Alexeeva V, Hatcher NG, Sasaki
K, Yashina I, Zhurov Y, Kupfermann I, Sweedler JV, Weiss KR. From hunger to satiety:
reconfiguration of a feeding network by Aplysia Neuropeptide Y. J Neurosci. 2007 March; 27(13):3490-3502 Recommended by FACULTY OF 1000 BIOLOGY:  Read as PDF |
| Jing J, Weiss KR.
Modular computations in a hierarchical motor network. in Symposium for Advances in Computational Motor Control IV, 2005.
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| Jing J, Weiss KR.
Generation of variants of a motor act in a modular and hierarchical motor network.
Curr Biol. 2005 Oct 11;15(19):1712-21. IN THE NEWS: BBCNEWS
Read as PDF |
| Jing J, Cropper EC, Hurwitz I, Weiss KR.
The construction of movement with behavior-specific and
behavior-independent modules.
J Neurosci. 2004 July 14;24(28):6315-25. Read as PDF |
| Dembrow NC, Jing J, Brezina V, Weiss KR. A specific synaptic
pathway activates a conditional plateau potential underlying protraction
phase in the Aplysia feeding central pattern generator. J Neurosci.
2004 Jun 2;24(22):5230-8. Read as PDF |
| Jing J, Vilim FS, Wu JS, Park JH, Weiss KR.
Concerted GABAergic actions of Aplysia feeding interneurons in motor
program specification.
J Neurosci. 2003 Jun 15;23(12):5283-94. Read as PDF |
| Jing J, Gillette R. Directional avoidance turns
encoded by single interneurons and sustained by multifunctional
serotonergic cells.
J Neurosci. 2003 Apr 1;23(7):3039-51. Read as a PDF |
| Evans CG, Jing J, Rosen SC, Cropper EC. Regulation
of spike initiation and propagation in an Aplysia sensory neuron:
gating-in via central depolarization. J Neurosci. 2003 Apr 1;23(7):2920-31.
Read as PDF |
| Jing J, Weiss KR. Interneuronal basis of the
generation of related but distinct motor programs in Aplysia:
implications for current neuronal models of vertebrate intralimb
coordination.
J Neurosci. 2002 Jul 15;22(14):6228-38. Read as PDF |
| Jing J, Weiss KR. Neural mechanisms of motor
program switching in Aplysia.
J Neurosci. 2001 Sep 15;21(18):7349-62. Read as PDF |
| Jing J, Gillette R. Escape swim network
interneurons have diverse roles in behavioral switching and putative
arousal in Pleurobranchaea.
J Neurophysiol. 2000 Mar;83(3):1346-55. Read as a PDF |
For a complete and updated list of publications, click here.