Circuit reconstruction tools today

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2007 Oct;17(5):601-8. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2007.11.004. Epub 2007 Dec 21.

Abstract

To understand how a brain processes information, we must understand the structure of its neural circuits-especially circuit interconnection topologies and the cell and synapse molecular architectures that determine circuit-signaling dynamics. Our information on these key aspects of neural circuit structure has remained incomplete and fragmentary, however, because of limitations of the best available imaging methods. Now, new transgenic tool mice and new image acquisition tools appear poised to permit very significant advances in our abilities to reconstruct circuit connection topologies and molecular architectures.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / cytology*
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / trends*
  • Microscopy, Electron / methods
  • Models, Neurological
  • Nerve Net / cytology*
  • Neurons* / ultrastructure