Dissecting neural circuitry by combining genetics and pharmacology

Peer Wulff, William Wisden

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In systems neuroscience, advances often come from lesioning and reversible inhibition of brain regions. Dissecting the circuitry of regions involves conceptually the same approach - stop a class of cell from firing action potentials, or make the cells fire more, then deduce how these components influence the performance of the circuit and animal behaviour. To perform such cell-type-specific and reversible fine-scale analysis of circuitry, and to do so on the fast signalling timescale of the brain (milliseconds to seconds), is challenging in mammals. Ingenious and diverse methods are being developed towards this goal. These new tools will encourage further synergy between molecular biologists, systems neuroscientists and electrophysiologists.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)44-50
Number of pages6
JournalTrends in Neurosciences
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2005

Keywords

  • GATED CHLORIDE CHANNELS
  • TRANSGENIC MICE
  • IN-VIVO
  • INHIBITORY INTERNEURONS
  • SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION
  • TARGETED EXPRESSION
  • MAMMALIAN NEURONS
  • ION CHANNELS
  • LIGHT-CHAIN
  • DROSOPHILA

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