Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit

This is an historical archive of the activities of the MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit (MRC ANU) that operated at the University of Oxford from 1985 until March 2015. The MRC ANU established a reputation for world-leading research on the brain, for training new generations of scientists, and for engaging the general public in neuroscience. The successes of the MRC ANU are now built upon at the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit at the University of Oxford.

Genetically timed, activity-sensor and rainbow transsynaptic viral tools.

Nat. Methods 2009;6(2):127-30. 10.1038/nmeth.1292

Genetically timed, activity-sensor and rainbow transsynaptic viral tools.

Boldogkoi Z, Balint K, Awatramani GB, Balya D, Busskamp V, Viney TJ, Lagali PS, Duebel J, Pásti E, Tombácz D, Tóth JS, Takács IF, Scherf B G, Roska B

Abstract:

We developed retrograde, transsynaptic pseudorabies viruses (PRVs) with genetically encoded activity sensors that optically report the activity of connected neurons among spatially intermingled neurons in the brain. Next we engineered PRVs to express two differentially colored fluorescent proteins in a time-shifted manner to define a time period early after infection to investigate neural activity. Finally we used multiple-colored PRVs to differentiate and dissect the complex architecture of brain regions.

Research and Techniques:

Biosensing Techniques

Green Fluorescent Proteins

Herpesvirus 1, Suid

Luminescent Proteins

Synaptic Transmission

Visual Pathways