Deep Brain Imaging Reveals Separate Function for Nearly Identical Neurons

Researchers from the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine recently used novel deep-brain imaging techniques to link the activity of individual, genetically similar neurons to particular behaviors of mice. Specifically, for the first time ever, scientists observed as one neuron was activated when a mouse searched for food while a nearly identical neuron next to it remained inactive; instead, the second neuron only became activated when the mouse began eating. The research, published in the journal Cell, suggests that manipulating an entire genetically defined subtype of neurons to treat a condition, such as binge-eating, might be too broad of an approach. Drug developers might have to focus on one type of cell within the subset in order to avoid potentially serious side effects. “Traditional imaging techniques wouldn’t allow us to record this kind of activity,” said the study’s lead author. “For the first time, we can view specific, genetically defined neurons in the lateral hypothalamus as they light up while the mice search out food, eat and drink.” The findings suggest that targeting an entire subpopulation of brain cells to learn about their function can be somewhat misleading. To read more about this study, click here.