Techniques in Functional Neuroanatomy Flashcards
Name 2 methods to identify neuron outputs
Retrograde tracing
Transynaptic retrograde viral tracing
Name 2 methods to identify neuron inputs
Anterograde tracing
Lesion neurons/axons
Name 5 methods to test the functionality of connections
C-fos
Electrophysiology - stimulation and recording
Calcium imaging
Optogenetics
Genetic manipulation of targeted neurons - ablation/silencing
What are the 2 main transgene insertion methods?
Genetic targeting
Viral vector targeting
What are the 3 genetic targeting approaches to transgene insertion?
Transgenic approach
Binary expression systems
Inducible systems
What are the 2 types of binary expression system?
Recombination-based - Cre-loxP
Transactivation-based - tTa-tetO
What are the 3 viral vector targeting approaches to transgene insertion?
Viral constructs
Engineered tropism
Axon transduction
Which 2 types of transgenes can be inserted for neural circuit studies?
Optogenetics
Chemogenetics - DREADDs
What are the components of a transgene cassette?
Exogenous gene
With/without promoter
Recombination sites
What are the 2 methods used in the transgenic approach?
Conventional - transgene cassette
BAC
What are the advantages of BAC over transgene cassette?
BAC is large - longer transgene
Can contain more regulatory elements - more complex expression regulation
What is the driver line in binary expression systems?
Expresses driver gene (e.g. Cre)
Controlled specific promoter - gives cell specificity
What is the reporter line in binary expression systems?
Expresses transgene of interest
Controlled by robust ubiquitous promoter - gives high expression levels
Which promoter is specific for excitatory neurons?
CAMKII
Which promoter is specific for inhibitory neurons?
NPY