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Brain stem cell division and maintenance studied using multi-isotope imaging mass spectrometry (MIMS)
G Enikolopov1, C Guillermier2, M Wang3
1Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY USA.
Surface and Interface Analysis : SIA
|September 18, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed a new method using fluorescent proteins in mice to track and quantify how stimuli affect new neuron formation in the adult brain, aiding the study of neurogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Stem Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Adult neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons from neural stem cells, occurs in specific brain regions like the hippocampus.
- Hippocampal neurogenesis is vital for cognitive functions and is influenced by various external factors.
- Understanding neurogenesis is crucial for insights into brain repair, disease, and drug responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel method for identifying and quantifying cellular targets of stimuli influencing adult neurogenesis.
- To utilize reporter transgenic mouse lines for visualizing and measuring neural stem and progenitor cell activity.
Main Methods:
- Development of reporter transgenic mouse lines where neural stem cells, progenitor cells, and their progeny are labeled with fluorescent proteins.
- Application of Multi-Instantaneous Multi-Spectral (MIMS) imaging techniques to study adult neurogenesis in these mouse models.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the feasibility of using reporter transgenic mice for studying adult neurogenesis.
- Successfully visualized and quantified neural stem and progenitor cells and their progeny using fluorescent markers.
- Validated the MIMS approach for analyzing the impact of stimuli on neurogenesis.
Conclusions:
- The developed reporter mouse lines and MIMS approach provide a powerful tool for investigating adult neurogenesis.
- This method allows for precise identification and quantification of cellular targets affected by pro- and anti-neurogenic stimuli.
- The findings open new avenues for understanding the role of neurogenesis in brain health and disease.
