Brilliant discovery: made axolotl neurons glow!

Brilliant discovery: made axolotl neurons glow!

Scientists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) have made a significant breakthrough in research into the axolotl brain. The team led by Katharina Lust and Elly Tanaka from the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) has developed a method to specifically introduce genes into axolotl neurons, which was not possible before. The use of adeno-associated viral vectors allows researchers to dynamically visualize neural circuits and gain deeper insight into the regeneration of this remarkable animal, known for its extraordinary abilities to regrow or repair lost limbs and complex organs such as the brain.

The scientists tested different variants of AAV that target different cell types and identified the optimal serotype for gene transfer. This innovative technique allowed Lust and Tanaka to deliver a fluorescent marker into the nerve cells of a living axolotl, making it easier to examine and map neuronal connections between different brain areas. In their study, published in the journal PNAS, they describe how they were able to map visual information sent from retinal neurons to the brain, as well as the bidirectional projections that go from the brain to the retina. These findings suggest that the brain plays a crucial role in fine-tuning retinal functions, such as Small newspaper reported.

Revolution in neuroscience

These developments represent an important advance in neuroscience as they provide new ways to analyze the regeneration of neuronal circuits. The researchers hope that this technology can contribute not only to the study of basic neuronal functions, but also to the development of therapies for injuries in the human nervous system. Lust expressed excitement about the possibilities presented by this method: “This technology opens up a new way to track neuronal activity in vivo and observe how neuronal circuits regenerate after injury,” she explained. Tanaka added that viral vectors could be established as powerful tools to manipulate specific genes in axolotl neurons and explore their role in brain regeneration, with report from OTS is underpinned.