A complete understanding of nervous system function cannot be achieved without the identification of its component cell types. In this Perspective, we explore a series of related issues surrounding cell identity and how revolutionary methods for labeling and probing specific neuronal types have clarified this question. Specifically, we ask the following questions: what is the purpose of such diversity, how is it generated, how is it maintained, and, ultimately, how can one unambiguously identity one cell type from another? We suggest that each cell type can be defined by a unique and conserved molecular ground state that determines its capabilities. We believe that gaining an understanding of these molecular barcodes will advance our ability to explore brain function, enhance our understanding of the biochemical basis of CNS disorders, and aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Pubmed ID: 24183013 RIS Download
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Gene expression data and maps of mouse central nervous system. Gene expression atlas of developing adult central nervous system in mouse, using in situ hybridization and transgenic mouse techniques. Collection of pictorial gene expression maps of brain and spinal cord of mouse. Provides tools to catalog, map, and electrophysiologically record individual cells. Application of Cre recombinase technologies allows for cell-specific gene manipulation. Transgenic mice created by this project are available to scientific community.
View all literature mentionsInternational database for laboratory mouse. Data offered by The Jackson Laboratory includes information on integrated genetic, genomic, and biological data. MGI creates and maintains integrated representation of mouse genetic, genomic, expression, and phenotype data and develops reference data set and consensus data views, synthesizes comparative genomic data between mouse and other mammals, maintains set of links and collaborations with other bioinformatics resources, develops and supports analysis and data submission tools, and provides technical support for database users. Projects contributing to this resource are: Mouse Genome Database (MGD) Project, Gene Expression Database (GXD) Project, Mouse Tumor Biology (MTB) Database Project, Gene Ontology (GO) Project at MGI, and MouseCyc Project at MGI.
View all literature mentionsSeattle based independent, nonprofit medical research organization dedicated to accelerating the understanding of how human brain works. Provides free data and tools to researchers and educators and variety of unique online public resources for exploring the nervous system. Integrates gene expression data and neuroanatomy, along with data search and viewing tools, these resources are openly accessible via the Allen Brain Atlas data portal. Provides Allen Mouse Brain, Allen Spinal Cord Atlas, Allen Developing Mouse Brain Atlas, Allen Human Brain Atlas,Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas, Allen Cell Type Database, The Ivy Glioblastoma Atlas Project (Ivy GAP), The BrainSpan Atlas of the Developing Human Brain.
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