BMS329   Neuroscience Techniques   (20 credits)

Description

The module is based around teaching students a range of modern neuroscience techniques by trying to answer the overall question: Can the MED cells provide a replacement for primary DRG? The practical sessions are divided into two halves (i) establishing the in vivo molecular properties of DRG neurons and (ii) Can the MED cells provide a replacement for primary DRG? The practical utilises an in-house conditionally immortalised mouse dorsal root ganglion cell line (MED17.11) derived by M. Nassar and M. Holley which can differentiate easily (temperature change from 33°C to 37°C) into nociceptors over 7 days. Students will be taught basic cell culture using this cell line and can set up flasks of cells that can either be grown in an undifferentiated state or be differentiated into sensory neurons for use in downstream practical sessions. In addition, students will be shown how to section either (i) Frozen rat tissue (DRGs) using a cryostat or (ii) Paraffin-embedded section (again DRGs) using a microtome. Following on from the session on the basic techniques of cell culture, cryostat and microtome, two 'molecular' techniques will be taught in subsequent practicals (i) immunofluorescent staining for NF200 and peripherin and image analysis (ii) cDNA production/RT-PCR. The results from these techniques will be compared to staining results obtained from (i) paraffin-embedded and (ii) eg OCT fresh/frozen samples of mouse DRG stained for the same antibodies.

Reading List