Genome Editing in Neurosciences


Book Description

Innovations in molecular biology are allowing neuroscientists to study the brain with unprecedented resolution, from the level of single molecules to integrated gene circuits. Chief among these innovations is the CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology, which has the precision and scalability to tackle the complexity of the brain. This Colloque Médecine et Recherche has brought together experts from around the world that are applying genome editing to address important challenges in neuroscience, including basic biology in model organisms that has the power to reveal systems-level insight into how the nervous system develops and functions as well as research focused on understanding and treating human neurological disorders. This work was published by Saint Philip Street Press pursuant to a Creative Commons license permitting commercial use. All rights not granted by the work's license are retained by the author or authors.




Neurotechnology


Book Description

New technologies that allow us to investigate mechanisms and functions of the brain have shown considerable promise in treating brain disease and injury. These emerging technologies also provide a means to assess and manipulate human consciousness, cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, bringing with them the potential to transform society. Neurotechnology: Premises, Potential, and Problems explores the technical, moral, legal, and sociopolitical issues that arise in and from today’s applications of neuroscience and technology and discusses their implications for the future. Some of the issues raised in this thought-provoking volume include: Neurotechnology in education: an enablement, a treatment, or an enhancement? The potential and limitations of neuroimaging technology in determining patient prognoses Tissue implantation technology as a way of engendering personalized medicine Neuroprostheses: restoration of functions of the disabled vs. enhancement to transhuman capabilities Deep brain stimulation and its use in restoring, preserving, or changing patients’ personal identity The benefit and risk of cognitive performance tools Cyborg technology and its potential to change our vision of humanity Methodologies for reducing the risk of neurotechnology’s impact on ethical, legal, and social issues With contributions from an international group of experts working on the cutting edge of neurotechnology, this volume lays the groundwork to appreciate the ethical, legal, and social aspects of the science in ways that keep pace with this rapidly progressing field.




The Science of Fate


Book Description

**THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER** 'A truly fascinating - if unnerving - read' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'Acute, mind-opening, highly accessible - this book doesn't just explain how our lives might pan out, it helps us live better' BETTANY HUGHES 'A humane and highly readable account of the neuroscience that underpins our ideas of free will and fate' PROFESSOR DAVID RUNCIMAN *** So many of us believe that we are free to shape our own destiny. But what if free will doesn't exist? What if our lives are largely predetermined, hardwired in our brains - and our choices over what we eat, who we fall in love with, even what we believe are not real choices at all? Neuroscience is challenging everything we think we know about ourselves, revealing how we make decisions and form our own reality, unaware of the role of our unconscious minds. Did you know, for example, that: * You can carry anxieties and phobias across generations of your family? * Your genes and pleasure and reward receptors in your brain will determine how much you eat? * We can sniff out ideal partners with genes that give our offspring the best chance of survival? Leading neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow draws vividly from everyday life and other experts in their field to show the extraordinary potential, as well as dangers, which come with being able to predict our likely futures - and looking at how we can alter what's in store for us. Lucid, illuminating, awe-inspiring The Science of Fate revolutionises our understanding of who we are - and empowers us to help shape a better future for ourselves and the wider world.




The CRISPR/Cas9 System


Book Description

This compilation focuses on the CRISPR/Cas9 system, a genome editing tool that has been hailed as the most profound molecular biology discovery in the past decade. By employing the natural process of bacterial immunity towards bacteriophages, the tool allows researchers to precisely excise and edit parts of the genetic sequence to modify them.The authors summarize the molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma, available treatments/drugs and their limitations, the landscape of CRISPR targeting hepatocellular carcinoma, limitations and potential targets in future.The closing review summarises the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in ophthalmology and focuses on the advancement of gene editing in the cornea. The majority of corneal dystrophies are the result an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern within the TGFBI gene, which presents an ideal model suited for a CRISPR/Cas9 knock out methodology.




Guide to Research Techniques in Neuroscience


Book Description

Modern neuroscience research is inherently multidisciplinary, with a wide variety of cutting edge new techniques to explore multiple levels of investigation. This Third Edition of Guide to Research Techniques in Neuroscience provides a comprehensive overview of classical and cutting edge methods including their utility, limitations, and how data are presented in the literature. This book can be used as an introduction to neuroscience techniques for anyone new to the field or as a reference for any neuroscientist while reading papers or attending talks. - Nearly 200 updated full-color illustrations to clearly convey the theory and practice of neuroscience methods - Expands on techniques from previous editions and covers many new techniques including in vivo calcium imaging, fiber photometry, RNA-Seq, brain spheroids, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and more - Clear, straightforward explanations of each technique for anyone new to the field - A broad scope of methods, from noninvasive brain imaging in human subjects, to electrophysiology in animal models, to recombinant DNA technology in test tubes, to transfection of neurons in cell culture - Detailed recommendations on where to find protocols and other resources for specific techniques - "Walk-through" boxes that guide readers through experiments step-by-step




Brain Development


Book Description

Providing widely used techniques in genetic model systems and many complementing animal models, Brain Development: Methods and Protocols focuses its expert contributions on two key technical aspects of developmental neurobiology: detection of gene expression and functional characterization of developmental control genes. Covering animal models such as the fruit fly, zebra fish, chicken, and mouse, this detailed book views in situ hybridization, reporter gene expression, and immunohistochemical staining methods, as well as RNA interference, Morpholino, or transgenic techniques through the prism of these models. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapter include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Practical and cutting-edge, Brain Development: Methods and Protocols aims to provide precise technical protocols but also allows for comparing a wide range of protocols in different tissues and species.




CRISPR


Book Description

“An excellent compendium of all things CRISPR from some of the leading minds in the field. With thorough coverage from every angle and beautifully detailed illustrations, this book is not to be missed!” Jennifer A. Doudna, Professor of Chemistry, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, UC Berkeley; Founder, Innovative Genomics Institute; Nobel Laureate and coinventor of CRISPR technology “This journey through CRISPR biology and several of its breakthrough applications offers an exciting glimpse into one of the most beautiful and compelling fields in the life sciences.” David R. Liu, Director of the Merkin Institute at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University; coinventor of base editing and prime editing “A must read! The CRISPR topics, written by world-leading experts, span from the fascinating mechanistic underpinnings to the ingenious applications. One can read from start to finish or pick and choose themes. Either way, the book delivers utterly enjoyable learning!” Bonnie Bassler, Squibb Professor and Chair, Princeton University Department of Molecular Biology; Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator CRISPR-Cas systems have revolutionized the science of gene editing and their possible applications continue to expand, from basic research to potentially groundbreaking medical and commercial uses. Led by a distinguished team of editors, CRISPR: Biology and Applications explores the subject matter needed to delve into this fascinating area. Topics covered include: Classification and molecular mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas systems CRISPR-Cas evolution, regulation, expression, and function Uses for gene editing and modulation of gene expression CRISPR-based antimicrobials and phage resistance for medical and industrial purposes Written by internationally renowned authors, CRISPR: Biology and Applications serves as both an introductory guide for those new to the field and an authoritative reference for seasoned researchers whose work touches this evolving and headline- making science.




Neuroethics and Nonhuman Animals


Book Description

This edited volume represents a unique addition to the available literature on animal ethics, animal studies, and neuroethics. Its goal is to expand discussions on animal ethics and neuroethics by weaving together different threads: philosophy of mind and animal minds, neuroscientific study of animal minds, and animal ethics. Neuroethical questions concerning animals’ moral status, animal minds and consciousness, animal pain, and the adequacy of animal models for neuropsychiatric disease have long been topics of debate in philosophy and ethics, and more recently also in neuroscientific research. The book presents a transdisciplinary blend of voices, underscoring different perspectives on the broad questions of how neuroscience can contribute to our understanding of nonhuman minds, and on debates over the moral status of nonhuman animals. All chapters were written by outstanding scholars in philosophy, neuroscience, animal behavior, biology, neuroethics, and bioethics, and cover a range of issues and species/taxa. Given its scope, the book will appeal to scientists and students interested in the debate on animal ethics, while also offering an important resource for future researchers. Chapter 13 is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com.




Fundamental Neuroscience


Book Description

Fundamental Neuroscience, Third Edition introduces graduate and upper-level undergraduate students to the full range of contemporary neuroscience. Addressing instructor and student feedback on the previous edition, all of the chapters are rewritten to make this book more concise and student-friendly than ever before. Each chapter is once again heavily illustrated and provides clinical boxes describing experiments, disorders, and methodological approaches and concepts.Capturing the promise and excitement of this fast-moving field, Fundamental Neuroscience, 3rd Edition is the text that students will be able to reference throughout their neuroscience careers! 30% new material including new chapters on Dendritic Development and Spine Morphogenesis, Chemical Senses, Cerebellum, Eye Movements, Circadian Timing, Sleep and Dreaming, and Consciousness Additional text boxes describing key experiments, disorders, methods, and concepts Multiple model system coverage beyond rats, mice, and monkeys Extensively expanded index for easier referencing




Handbook of Molecular-Genetic Techniques for Brain and Behavior Research


Book Description

The book gives a broad overview of recombinant DNA techniques for the behavioral neuroscientist, with illustrative examples of applications. Species covered include rodents (mainly mice), Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans and Danio rerio. Experimental techniques required to characterize the behavioral phenotypes of mutant animals is provided. Several aspects of novel molecular-genetic techniques are overviewed and possible research strategies are explained. The sections of the book start with general descriptions of techniques followed by illustrative examples. It is divided into six sections. Section 1, bioinformatics and genomics research. Section 2, top-down strategies, where the researcher starts with the phenotype and then analyzes the associated genes; bottom-up strategies, where the physiological chain leading to a phenotype is analyzed starting from the gene product. Section 3, transgenic approaches in rodents including overexpressing foreign genes and gene-targeting; systemic manipulation approaches directly targeting the central nervous system and methods used with invertebrates. Section 4, methods used to evaluate relevant behavioral phenotypes, including learning and aggression. Section 5, examples on molecular brain research in man. Section 6, ethical aspects of research in this field.