Brains, genes, and primates.

Neuron
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

One of the great strengths of the mouse model is the wide array of genetic tools that have been developed. Striking examples include methods for directed modification of the genome, and for regulated expression or inactivation of genes. Within neuroscience, it is now routine to express reporter genes, neuronal activity indicators, and opsins in specific neuronal types in the mouse. However, there are considerable anatomical, physiological, cognitive, and behavioral differences between the mouse and the human that, in some areas of inquiry, limit the degree to which insights derived from the mouse can be applied to understanding human neurobiology. Several recent advances have now brought into reach the goal of applying these tools to understanding the primate brain. Here we describe these advances, consider their potential to advance our understanding of the human brain and brain disorders, discuss bioethical considerations, and describe what will be needed to move forward.

Year of Publication
2015
Journal
Neuron
Volume
86
Issue
3
Pages
617-31
Date Published
2015 May 06
ISSN
1097-4199
URL
DOI
10.1016/j.neuron.2015.03.021
PubMed ID
25950631
PubMed Central ID
PMC4425847
Links
Grant list
1-DP2-OD006495-01 / OD / NIH HHS / United States
P30 NS076405 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
P51 OD011092 / OD / NIH HHS / United States
R21 MH104756 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
DP2 OD006495 / OD / NIH HHS / United States
R01-HD057121 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 MH110049 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
5DP1-MH100706 / DP / NCCDPHP CDC HHS / United States
R01 NS024328 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
R01 EY021214 / EY / NEI NIH HHS / United States
T32 MH020002 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
P40 OD010996 / OD / NIH HHS / United States
Intramural NIH HHS / United States
R01-EY021214 / EY / NEI NIH HHS / United States
DP1 MH100706 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
P51-OD011092 / OD / NIH HHS / United States
R01 DC012087 / DC / NIDCD NIH HHS / United States
R01 HD059946 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
Howard Hughes Medical Institute / United States
R01-HD063276 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 DK097768 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States
R01 EY021827 / EY / NEI NIH HHS / United States
5R01-DK097768 / DK / NIDDK NIH HHS / United States
R01 NS24328 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States
R01-HD059946 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 HD057121 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 HD063276 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
P30 CA014195 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States