• Question: Why do you culture neurons?

    Asked by anon-253904 to Emma on 11 May 2020.
    • Photo: Emma Lloyd

      Emma Lloyd answered on 11 May 2020:

      Hello! There are multiple different reasons really, but mainly it is because most of my research involves extracting small molecules of RNA from the axons of neurons, without getting any of the RNA that might be found in the cell body or different parts of the neuron. I use a specific culture method that ensures I can separate the axons from the cell body and avoid any potential contamination. I also use neuron cultures as proof-of-concept experiments before moving onto model systems such as mice. I hope that answers your question!

Comments

  • Photo: Shaline

    Shaline commented on :

    To add to Emma’s great answer, I would say that it’s important to culture neurons because it’s a great system to study many aspects of disease processes. It also allows you to manipulate the system in a relatively easy way, and plus it’s amazing the types of cool pictures you can get from culturing neurons! 🙂

  • Photo: Gaby

    Gaby commented on :

    I will also add to say that I culture neurons for a similar reason to Emma. I am interested in a disease that only really affects neurons, so I want to be able to look at neurons on their own away from other interfering cell types. Then I can zoom in really far on a microscope to look specifically at what is happening in those neurons.