A gene expression atlas of the central nervous system based on bacterial artificial chromosomes

Nature. 2003 Oct 30;425(6961):917-25. doi: 10.1038/nature02033.

Abstract

The mammalian central nervous system (CNS) contains a remarkable array of neural cells, each with a complex pattern of connections that together generate perceptions and higher brain functions. Here we describe a large-scale screen to create an atlas of CNS gene expression at the cellular level, and to provide a library of verified bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vectors and transgenic mouse lines that offer experimental access to CNS regions, cell classes and pathways. We illustrate the use of this atlas to derive novel insights into gene function in neural cells, and into principal steps of CNS development. The atlas, library of BAC vectors and BAC transgenic mice generated in this screen provide a rich resource that allows a broad array of investigations not previously available to the neuroscience community.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage
  • Cell Movement
  • Central Nervous System / cytology
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 1
  • Gene Expression Profiling* / methods
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Gene Library*
  • Genes, Reporter / genetics*
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
  • Luminescent Proteins / analysis
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Neurosciences / methods
  • Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases / genetics
  • Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transgenes / genetics*

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • LHX6 protein, mouse
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases
  • Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 1