INFORMATICS CENTER FOR MOUSE NEUROGENETICS

描述（申请人的摘要）：本申请的目的是 神经信息学项目是开发和利用一套图像数据库， 电动互联网显微镜，和软件来研究遗传基础， 小鼠中枢神经系统的结构变异。资源是开放的研究 通过一个集成的Web界面<nervenet.org>，的焦点 这个项目是为了提供一个合作研究环境， 数量性状基因座（QTL）。这些基因负责 在小鼠和人类的中枢神经系统结构中存在着惊人的差异。QTL分析是 一个新兴的领域，解决复杂的生物特征调制的许多 基因.我们将开发四种重要的新资源和技术：（1） 小鼠脑库（MBL）由一个巨大的，组织良好的大脑库组成。 适合形态学研究的切片。成千上万的图像可以 以每像素5微米的分辨率快速搜索、分类和下载 使用直观而强大的Web界面。(2)互联网显微镜 系统（iScope）捕获并显示极其详细的电影-z轴图像 适用于MBL中所有大脑的复杂体视学研究。 iScope包括通过网络24小时控制的自动载玻片处理器， 一天，每周7天（3）神经制图项目将开发一套 软件工具和数百个神经解剖结构的3D模型， 将使研究人员能够重建和数字解剖;材料在 MBL。(4)神经遗传学工具箱（NTB）包括一套基因图谱， 这些计划将使神经科学家能够快速识别和评估QTL 导致了中枢神经系统结构的惊人变化。NTB将 包括来自设计用于作图异常大的高级杂交的基因型 具有足够精确度的基因座，以使候选基因的克隆方法成为可能 QTL。实现这四个项目的目标将促进一个新的时代， 成年哺乳动物神经系统的结构分析，并将导致一个 大量关于发展、衰老和 人类大脑的病理学

DESCRIPTION (Applicant's Abstract): The purpose of this Neuroinformatics project is to develop and exploit a suite of image databases, motorized Internet microscopes, and software to study the genetic basis of structural variation of the mouse CNS. Resources are open to the research community through an integrated web interface at <nervenet.org>. The focus of this project is to provide a collaborative research environment for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs). These genes are responsible for the extraordinary variation in CNS structure among mice and humans. QTL analysis is a burgeoning field that tackles complex biological traits modulated by many genes. We will develop four significant new resources and technologies: (1) The Mouse Brain Library (MBL) consists of a huge, well-organized library of brain sections suitable for morphometric investigation. Thousands of images can be rapidly searched, sorted, and downloaded at a resolution of 5 microns per pixel using an intuitive and powerful web interface. (2) The Internet Microscope System (iScope) captures and displays extremely detailed movies -z-axis image stacks-suitable for sophisticated stereological study of all brains in the MBL. The iScope includes robotic slide handlers controlled over the web 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (3) The NeuroCartographer Project will develop a suite of software tools and 3D models of hundreds of neuroanatomical structures that will enable researchers to reconstruct and digitally dissect; material in the MBL. (4) The Neurogenetics Tool Box (NTB) comprises a set of gene mapping programs that will enable neuroscientists to rapidly identify and evaluate QTLs responsible for the astonishing variation in CNS architecture. The NTB will include genotypes from an unusually large advanced intercross designed to map loci with sufficient precision to enable a candidate gene approach to cloning QTLs. Achieving the aims of these four projects will catalyze a new era in the structural analysis of the adult mammalian nervous system and will lead to a large number of novel lines of research on the development, aging, and pathology of the human brain.