In vivo imaging of the mammalian nervous system using fluorescent proteins.
The recent development of fluorescent proteins has rapidly and radically altered the way cell biology is performed by allowing simple, non-invasive imaging of cellular processes in real time. The special properties of the nervous system, such as synaptic morphology, axonal/dendritic maturation, and neuronal migration are especially amenable to investigation using fluorescent proteins. This review focuses on the various genetic and viral vectors used to express fluorescent proteins in vivo and in slice culture, and the strengths and limitations associated with them.
Tucker
K L
KL
Department of Neurobiochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany. klt@fmi.ch
D000818:Animals; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000378:metabolism; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D006801:Humans; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D008322:Mammals; D009420:Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology; D013347:Subcellular Fractions / Q000737:chemistry
D018076:DNA, Complementary; D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins