Methods in Neuroscience
In the brains of human glial chimeric mice, the transplanted human astrocytes derived from the glial progenitor cells (GPCs) are identified by the expression of specific markers. Which of the following molecules would be specific to the human GPCs described in this study?
A) GFAP
B) DAPI
C) hNuclei
D) MAP2
C) hNuclei
When discussing the generation of iPSCs, what is the function of a polycistronic vector in this process?
A) To enhance the integration of the viral DNA into the host genome.
B) To selectively target fibroblasts for reprogramming.
C) To deliver multiple genes simultaneously into the cells.
D) To increase the efficiency of cell differentiation following reprogramming.
C) To deliver multiple genes simultaneously into the cells.
A researcher is studying a mouse model of schizophrenia and observes a reduced startle response when a weaker "pre-pulse" stimulus precedes a strong startle stimulus. This finding suggests a deficit in which behavioural measure?
A) Novel object recognition
B) Y-maze alternation
C) Open field exploration
D) Pre-pulse inhibition (PPI).
D) Pre-pulse inhibition (PPI).
Researchers are investigating the genetic basis of cognitive performance and intelligence quotient (IQ). They initially focus on testing a small number of genetic variants based on their known involvement in neuronal function. Which one of the following approaches described in lecture does this align with?
A) Candidate Gene Design
B) Humanized Mouse Model
C) Genome-wise Association Study (GWAS)
D) None of the above
A) Candidate Gene Design
A research team is investigating the role of glial cells in schizophrenia using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from individuals with the disorder.
What is the initial step typically involved in generating these iPSCs from skin fibroblasts?
A) Differentiating fibroblasts into glial progenitor cells using growth factors.
B) Transplanting fibroblasts directly into the mouse brain.
C) Reprogramming fibroblasts using Yamanaka factors delivered by lentiviral vectors
D) Performing RNA sequencing to identify dysregulated genes in fibroblasts.
C) Reprogramming fibroblasts using Yamanaka factors delivered by lentiviral vectors
In the context of validating RNA sequencing data, what technique or method is typically used to cross-check inconsistent results for a suspected gene involved in disease pathogenesis? Choose the most appropriate response from the ones shown.
A) Western blotting for protein levels.
B) Immunohistochemistry to visualize protein localisation.
C) qRT-PCR to quantify specific RNA transcripts
D) More than one of these methods would directly validate inconsistent RNA data
C) qRT-PCR to quantify specific RNA transcripts
A researcher is investigating potential treatments for ALS and observes that motor neuron death begins at the neuromuscular junctions and progresses towards the cell body. This observation is most consistent with which hypothesis of motoneuronal death?
A) Syndrome C spread
B) Dying-forward hypothesis
C) Dying-back hypothesis
D) More than one of the other responses is correct
C) Dying-back hypothesis
Using a genetic screen, a research team has found that a specific complement component that has been implicated in synaptic pruning and overexpressed in schizophrenia. What is this component?
A) DISC1
B) C4
C) Lingo-1
D) A2B5
B) C4
When discussing theories of motoneuronal death in ALS, where does the "dying-forward" hypothesis suggest that the disease originates from? Choose the most appropriate response from the ones shown.
A) Neuromuscular junctions
B) Spinal cord motor neurons
C) Peripheral nerves
D) None of the other responses are correct
D) None of the other responses are correct, motor cortex is the origin
A study transplants human glial progenitor cells (hGPCs) into Rag1 mice to model a neurological disorder. Which of the following is a key reason for using either Rag1 or Rag2 mice in this type of experiment?
A) To enhance the differentiation of hGPCs into neurons.
B) To promote enhanced integration of hGPCs into the host brain's vasculature.
C) To prevent the host immune system from rejecting the human cells
D) To increase the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) by the hGPCs
C) To prevent the host immune system from rejecting the human cells
A research team wants to create a xenografted mouse using glial progenitor cells (GPCs) from human patients. In order to track these GPCs they need to find a specific marker. Which one of the following would be the best marker?
A) PSA-NCAM
B) SOX2
C) PDGFRα (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha)
D) None of the other choices would be specific GPC markers
C) PDGFRα (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha)
Which behavioural test in rodents, described in lecture, assesses deficits in working and recognition memory, and is linked to hippocampal and prefrontal cortex dysfunction relevant to schizophrenia?
A) Novel Object Recognition (NOR)
B) Social Interaction Test (SIT)
C) Y-Maze Alternation
D) Elevated Plus Maze (EPM)
A) Novel Object Recognition (NOR)
A research study aims to validate findings from RNA sequencing data which suggests a downregulation of a specific gene in a disease model. Describe the principles of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and explain why it would be a suitable technique for validating this RNA sequencing result. What would be a crucial control to include in a qRT-PCR experiment designed for this validation, and why is it important?
answer varies, beta actin or GAPDH (cytoskeleton proteins) as internal reference gene
The teratoma assay is commonly used to confirm the pluripotency of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Describe the fundamental principle of this assay and explain how it demonstrates the pluripotent nature of the cells. How does this allow for validation of a stem cell state?
iPSCs have the potential to spontaneously form tumours containing tissues derived from all three embryonic germ layers
Distinguish between the "dying-back" and "dying-forward" hypotheses of motoneuronal death in ALS, highlighting the proposed initial site of degeneration in each and molecules and pathways that might be involved. If a research study observed initial degeneration specifically at the neuromuscular junctions, which hypothesis would this evidence primarily support?
answer varies, dying back hypothesis