Abstract

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.
(E.M.C. Skoulakis, Texas A & M, College Station, TX, USA)
(...)the first (volume) to approach brain and behavior research in a truly multi-disciplinary fashion.(...)the book epitomizes the coming of age of molecular and genetic approaches in the understanding of brain function. The greatest strength of the book is that it speaks the language of the experimental psychologist that wants to explore molecular and genetic approaches, and at the same time communicates well with the molecular geneticist searching for behavioral avenues to investigate a phenotype, or establish a model system. For the aficionados, this book offers a reference volume that underscores the current trend for a synthesis of behavioral, molecular and genetic approaches with which to understand the link between genes and molecules, neuronal activity and behavior. As such this manual should be required reading for all newcomers to the field.
Trends in Neurosciences