Lecture 11- Good Copy

Question 1

What is the purpose of single-cell analyses in neurobiological research?

Answer 1

Allow precise genetic or pharmacological manipulation of neurons to study synapse formation and function

Question 2

What are the key limitations of single-cell analyses?

Answer 2

May not accurately reflect how neurons behave in the intact CNS, as the isolation process removes neurons from their natural environment.

Question 3

What insights do neural circuit-level studies provide in neurobiology?

Answer 3

Provides a snapshot of synapse density and distribution across tissue samples, offering insights into the structural organization of synapses at a closer-to-in vivo resolution.

Question 4

What are the key limitations of neural circuit analysis?

Answer 4

1. Minimal temporal resolution (samples show only a snapshot at one time, making it difficult to track changes or activity over time)
2. Represent a specific developmental stage, limiting the understanding of how circuits change over time.

Question 5

What is the main purpose of studying neuronal function using brain slices?

Answer 5

Allows researchers to study neuron and synapse function in brain slices, assessing synaptic inputs and cellular traits from single channels to whole cells.

Question 6

What are the key limitations of neuronal function studies?

Answer 6

Brain slice studies isolate neurons from the intact brain, which can result in findings that do not fully represent in vivo conditions or indirect effects of manipulations.

Question 7

What is the focus of neuronal network analysis, and what does it reveal?

Answer 7

• Allows researchers to study how neurons behave in networks by analyzing population responses.
• Assesses changes in network properties, ranging from single neurons to multiple cells.

Question 8

What is a key limitation of neuronal network analysis?

Answer 8

1. t’s difficult to distinguish between network effects and those from individual cells
2. Only measuring some parts of the network can miss important interactions and affect understanding of the whole network’s function.

Question 9

What does neural plasticity analysis allow researchers to study?

Answer 9

It assesses how neural networks respond to changes in activity linked to cognition and can be applied to most brain regions.

Question 10

What are the key limitations of neural plasticity studies?

Answer 10

Synaptic plasticity changes may occur without clear behavioral signs of brain disorders, requiring careful analysis to link them to brain disorders.

Question 11

How are techniques applied to assess functional changes indicative of neurological disorders?

Answer 11

• Test transgenic models for resistance or vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Identify traits caused by gene changes or treatments mimicking brain disorders.

Question 12

What are the key limitations of studies on functional changes in neurological disorders?

Answer 12

• Findings in transgenic models may not fully translate to humans.
• Phenotypes in animal models may have alternative explanations due to species differences.

Question 13

What are the distinct roles of MDGA1 and MDGA2 in synaptic regulation?

Answer 13

MDGA1 regulates inhibitory synapses, while MDGA2 regulates excitatory synapse strength.
- Disruptions in their balance impair neural circuits, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive processing.