Workshops 5

In vivo models and tools in neuroscience research.

Mara Dierssen, Matthieu, Patricia Maciel y Hernán Lopez

Abstract
The aim of this workshop, mainly directed to PhD students and early post-docs, is to provide an overview of the main model organisms and state-of-the-art tools available in the field of Neuroscience research. Knowledge and awareness of its potentialities and pitfalls will be helpful when choosing the appropriate system to address a neurobiological question.

The mouse (Mus musculus) is undoubtedly the best well known and more widely used model in Neuroscience, in particular when modelling human pathologies. However, other organisms may be more amenable to asking certain questions due to their simplicity of structure and features. The fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is easy to maintain, has a short life cycle and produces lots of progeny and the extensive genetic and transgenic techniques available, make it a very suitable model to use in neuroresearch. The round worm (Caenorhabditis elegans) was first selected and used as a research tool by the Nobel prize Sydney Brenner and since then an impressive database has been developed on C. elegans, with freely available research methods and protocols. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been used as a model in neuroscience, because many of its characteristics make it easier to study some specific aspects than some other vertebrate organisms. The zebrafish has been extensively employed in developmental and molecular biology studies and currently there have been created over 2000 zebrafish genetic mutants. There are, however, comparatively few behavioral studies employing this versatile species.

This workshop will cover approaches used to examine behavioral and sensory biology, neuronal development and physiology both in normal and pathological conditions. Four different experts in the field will guide us through each model and highlight the pros and cons, potentialities and pitfalls and present us their own data.

Lectures and speakers
1. Mus musculus (house mouse)
Mara Dierssen
CRG, Barcelona, Spain

2. The fruit fly Drosophyla melanogaster
Matthieu Louis
CRG, Barcelona

3. What can we learn from a c. (elegant) worm
Patricia Maciel
ICVS, Braga, Portugal

4. Danio rerio alias
Zebrafish Hernán Lopez
CRG, Barcelona, Spain