We are excited to share our latest research publication in Cell Reports Methods: “An AAV capsid proposed as microglia-targeting directs genetic expression in forebrain excitatory neurons” Read the full article here »

A newly developed capsid AAV-MG1.2 was reported to mediate specific microglial transduction. However, we find that AAV-MG1.2 actually enables specific genetic access to excitatory neurons in forebrain regions including hippocampal formation and visual cortex but does not confer expression in microglia or astrocytes in vivo. Furthermore, we find that AAV-MG1.2 specifically labels the deep layer of the CA1 pyramidal layer in a titer-dependent manner. We show that AAV-MG1.2-Cre can be used to genetically target excitatory neurons for cell-type-specific neural circuit mapping studies. We also find that AAV-MG1.2 conserves specificity for excitatory neurons in rat hippocampus. Thus, the AAV-MG1.2 presents a useful viral-genetic tool for targeting excitatory neurons in the forebrain across different species.

We’re proud of the contributions of our team and collaborators and look forward to the continued impact of this innovative approach on the neuroscience community.

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) is currently seeking qualified candidates for multiple positions in its dynamic neuroscience research team. UCI’s Center for Neural Circuit Mapping and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology have openings for Research Scientists and Postdoctoral Scholars to contribute to groundbreaking research in neural circuit mapping.

These positions provide an exceptional opportunity to work alongside leading experts in the field of neuroscience, contributing to cutting-edge research on brain function and neural circuits in health and disease. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary projects and collaborate with an international network of researchers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on neural circuits and brain function.
• Develop and implement new experimental techniques in neuroscience.
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations.

Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent in neuroscience, biology, or related fields.
• Strong background in molecular neuroscience, neurophysiology, and experimental design.
• Experience with animal models and various neurotechnological tools is preferred.

These positions offer competitive salaries, access to UCI’s world-class facilities, and opportunities for career development and mentorship.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by visiting the official listing here. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of one of the leading research teams in the field of neuroscience!

NIHs, National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health has awarded a five-year U24 grant of ~$5 million to create a Sickle Cell Disease Pain Analgesia and Integrative Network (SCDPAIN), an innovative, dynamic platform aimed at advancing research on pain mechanisms in sickle cell disease (SCD). Pain in SCD is unique due to its unpredictable and recurrent episodes of acute pain, in addition to chronic pain affecting the majority of individuals with SCD. In the United States, SCD primarily impacts African Americans and some Latino Americans.

This nationwide network (with global outreach) will profoundly influence the science of sickle cell pain through cutting-edge technological advancements and three major goals:
1) “Science without borders”
2) “Promoting the future”
3) “Hub to health.”

To achieve these goals, it will:
1) Build multidisciplinary research capacity to meet critical unmet needs of SCD pain
2) Incentivize novel initiatives through pilot funds
3) Catalyze the next generation of scientists to accelerate SCD pain research

This multi-PI U24 grant is led by Principal Investigator Kalpna Gupta, PhD, Professor of Medicine at the School of Medicine; Susan Samueli Scholar at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute (SSIHI); and Professor at the School of Pharmacy at UCI. Gupta is a member of CNCM, with collaborative advancement for neural circuit mapping provided by Dr. Xiangmin Xu. Dr. Richard Harris from SSIHI, UCI, is a co-investigator on this grant.

We are excited to share our latest publication in Molecular Psychiatry!

The University of California Irvine (UCI) Center for Neural Circuit Mapping (CNCM) held its 4th annual Summer Conference entitled “Brain Cell Types, Circuits, and Disorders” at the Beckman Center of the National Academies of Science and Engineering in Irvine, California. Herein, we provide a Meeting Report highlighting the conference and the work of its attendees.

Check it out here.

Profs. Qing Nie (CMCF), Xiangmin Xu (CNCM) and colleagues discussed the integration of small-scale datasets with each other or with larger reference atlases, particularly in the context of single-cell approaches. Check out our publication titled “Small data methods in omics: the power of one” here.