Overview
Cell lines have played a significant role in the recent rapid progress that has been made in understanding the molecular events involved in the functioning of the nervous system. Now that systems for generating new cell lines from defined regions of the nervous system have been developed, and the technology for generating transgenic animals with specific gene deletions is available, neuronal cell lines will provide important tools for defining the molecules and mechanisms involved in gene regulation, cell-cell interactions, and the electrical properties of neurons. This instructive book presents clear practical advice on the production and exploitation of neuronal cell lines in areas ranging from transcriptional regulation to the definition of cell adhesion mechanisms. The techniques described will be useful to researchers in neurobiology as well as to physiologists and anatomists interested in molecular biology. The book also provides insight into the technology of cell line generation and the possibilities afforded by transgenic technology.