Scientists have outlined a way to classify neurons based not only on how they look, but on with which other neurons they are capable of communicating.
So, why is this necessary? Think of it this way: if you were mapping a city, you'd want a sensible system for identifying streets, buildings, and landmarks, and understanding the distinctions between them. In a similar way, in mapping a brain, it's logical to name and distinguish between neuronal types in order to understand how they relate to each other.
The senior author explains that to classify a neuron as a specific neuronal type, "what is needed is a comprehensive image of a whole cell, and then to label the cells that are like it--to quantify those and to register them in the whole brain to compare. This has never been achieved, but technology is finally catching up."
Now, in the latest issue of Cell Reports, researchers describe how they've created a process for classifying neurons in a mouse brain in a suitably comprehensive manner. According to the team, the new platform embraces four major aspects of brain mapping:
First, the team identifies and labels neurons of the same shape by discerning key genetic clues that are unique to the cell type. Importantly, because this genetic information describes how a neuron's synapses are structured, it can also indicate with which other cells a neuron is capable of communicating.
Second, through cutting-edge technology, the scientists are able to image the entire brain. This "wide angle" look at a neuronal type's home regions provides exceptionally important context for the third aspect: reconstruction.
By pairing imagery and genetic labeling at the single-neuron resolution with an "atlas" of the whole brain, the team can painstakingly "reconstruct" a brain, providing data on each and every neuronal type's location.
Lastly, with this information about shape, connectivity, and location in hand, computational biologists can crunch the numbers, determining what is relevant and unique to any one cell type, and what is not.
As a proof-of-concept, the authors looked specifically at axo-axonic cells (AACs) found in the cortex. Despite already being remarkably specific in location, shape, and purpose, the team determined that there are actually a wide variety of AAC subtypes.
According to the senior author, the BRAIN Initiative will continue to refine their process until neuron classification is not only easy, but second nature in the quest to accurately map an entire brain.
https://www.cshl.edu/new-cell-subtypes-classified-in-mouse-brain/
https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(19)30211-6
http://sciencemission.com/site/index.php?page=news&type=view&id=publications%2Fgenetic-single-neuron&filter=22
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