Neuronal morphology goes digital: a research hub for cellular and system neuroscience

Neuron. 2013 Mar 20;77(6):1017-38. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.03.008.

Abstract

The importance of neuronal morphology in brain function has been recognized for over a century. The broad applicability of "digital reconstructions" of neuron morphology across neuroscience subdisciplines has stimulated the rapid development of numerous synergistic tools for data acquisition, anatomical analysis, three-dimensional rendering, electrophysiological simulation, growth models, and data sharing. Here we discuss the processes of histological labeling, microscopic imaging, and semiautomated tracing. Moreover, we provide an annotated compilation of currently available resources in this rich research "ecosystem" as a central reference for experimental and computational neuroscience.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Computational Biology / instrumentation
  • Computational Biology / methods
  • Computational Biology / trends
  • Computers / trends*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / trends*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Neurons / ultrastructure*
  • Neurosciences / instrumentation
  • Neurosciences / methods
  • Neurosciences / trends*
  • Staining and Labeling / instrumentation
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Staining and Labeling / trends