Dissecting neural circuitry by combining genetics and pharmacology.
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.
Wulff
Peer
P
Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Wisden
William
W
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008322:Mammals; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D013598:Systems Theory
D007473:Ion Channels; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents