Tracing axons

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 1998 Oct;8(5):582-6. doi: 10.1016/s0959-4388(98)80084-6.

Abstract

For more than a century, neuroscientists have gained insight into brain function by examining its complex patterns of connectivity. To achieve this, a wide variety of axon-tracing techniques have been employed to chart the projections of neurons. New, experimentally flexible, reporter-based tracers, many of which are fusion proteins designed to target axons and dendrites, are being developed and are assisting the molecular characterization of the nervous system.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology*
  • Brain / cytology*
  • Coloring Agents*
  • Genes, Reporter*
  • Neural Pathways

Substances

  • Coloring Agents