A robust activity marking system for exploring active neuronal ensembles

Autor: Andreas T Sørensen, Yonatan A Cooper, Michael V Baratta, Feng-Ju Weng, Yuxiang Zhang, Kartik Ramamoorthi, Robin Fropf, Emily LaVerriere, Jian Xue, Andrew Young, Colleen Schneider, Casper René Gøtzsche, Martin Hemberg, Jerry CP Yin, Steven F Maier, Yingxi Lin
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2016
Předmět:
Zdroj: eLife, Vol 5 (2016)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2050-084X
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.13918
Popis: Understanding how the brain captures transient experience and converts it into long lasting changes in neural circuits requires the identification and investigation of the specific ensembles of neurons that are responsible for the encoding of each experience. We have developed a Robust Activity Marking (RAM) system that allows for the identification and interrogation of ensembles of neurons. The RAM system provides unprecedented high sensitivity and selectivity through the use of an optimized synthetic activity-regulated promoter that is strongly induced by neuronal activity and a modified Tet-Off system that achieves improved temporal control. Due to its compact design, RAM can be packaged into a single adeno-associated virus (AAV), providing great versatility and ease of use, including application to mice, rats, flies, and potentially many other species. Cre-dependent RAM, CRAM, allows for the study of active ensembles of a specific cell type and anatomical connectivity, further expanding the RAM system’s versatility.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals