Tools for efficient analysis of neurons in a 3D reference atlas of whole mouse spinal cord

Cell Rep Methods. 2021 Sep 27;1(5):100074. doi: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2021.100074. Epub 2021 Sep 15.

Abstract

To fill the prevailing gap in methodology for whole spinal cord (SC) analysis, we have (1) designed scaffolds (SpineRacks) that facilitate efficient and ordered cryo-sectioning of the entire SC in a single block, (2) constructed a 3D reference atlas of adult mouse SC, and (3) developed software (SpinalJ) to register images of sections and for standardized analysis of cells and projections in atlas space. We have verified mapping accuracies for known neurons and demonstrated the usefulness of this platform to reveal unknown neuronal distributions. Together, these tools provide high-throughput analyses of whole mouse SC and enable direct comparison of 3D spatial information between animals and studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Mice
  • Nerve Net / physiology
  • Neurons* / physiology
  • Software*
  • Spinal Cord / diagnostic imaging