Genetic tools to manipulate MRI contrast.

摘要: Advances in molecular biology the early 1970s have revolutionized research strategies for studying complex biological processes, which turn created a high demand new means to visualize these dynamic changes non-invasively and real-time. In that respect, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology was perfect fit, due versatile possibility alter different contrast mechanisms. Genetic manipulations are now being translated MRI trough development of reporters sensors, as well transgenic knockout mice. past few years, toolset, namely optogenetics, has emerged, allows manipulation cellular behavior using light. This provides particularly attractive features combination with newly developed techniques probing vivo cellular, particular neural, processes – specifically ability control focal, genetically-defined populations temporal resolution equipment is magnetically inert does not interact radiofrequency pulses. Recent works demonstrate optogenetics functional (fMRI) can provide an appropriate platform investigate vivo, at levels, neuronal basis fMRI signals. addition, this novel potential resolve pre-synaptic vs. post-synaptic activity large networks context plasticity associated development, learning pathophysiology.