Image of the Month: Neurons in the lab
Mouse neurons in the lab weave a network of connections through which the cells transmit electrical impulses. These cells represent a valuable model in which to study diseases of the nervous system as well as basic biological mechanisms.
Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel‘s lab focuses on studying the basic genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that guide the formation, function, and maintenance of neural circuits in the mammalian brain. In the mouse model, they combine genetic engineering, viral mapping, optical imaging, and electrophysiological recording techniques to uncover how neurons work.
The long-term objective of the Arenkiel Lab is to gain knowledge towards repairing or replacing damaged or diseased nervous tissue.
Dr. Arenkiel is an associate professor of molecular and human genetics and of neuroscience, and a McNair Scholar at Baylor College of Medicine. He is also an investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital.
The cells are stained with an antibody against microtubule-associated protein MAP2/Courtesy of Dr. Isabella García, Arenkiel lab.
