A three-dimensional single-cell-resolution whole-brain atlas using CUBIC-X expansion microscopy and tissue clearing

Nat Neurosci. 2018 Apr;21(4):625-637. doi: 10.1038/s41593-018-0109-1. Epub 2018 Mar 5.

Abstract

A three-dimensional single-cell-resolution mammalian brain atlas will accelerate systems-level identification and analysis of cellular circuits underlying various brain functions. However, its construction requires efficient subcellular-resolution imaging throughout the entire brain. To address this challenge, we developed a fluorescent-protein-compatible, whole-organ clearing and homogeneous expansion protocol based on an aqueous chemical solution (CUBIC-X). The expanded, well-cleared brain enabled us to construct a point-based mouse brain atlas with single-cell annotation (CUBIC-Atlas). CUBIC-Atlas reflects inhomogeneous whole-brain development, revealing a significant decrease in the cerebral visual and somatosensory cortical areas during postnatal development. Probabilistic activity mapping of pharmacologically stimulated Arc-dVenus reporter mouse brains onto CUBIC-Atlas revealed the existence of distinct functional structures in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. CUBIC-Atlas is shareable by an open-source web-based viewer, providing a new platform for whole-brain cell profiling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Brain / cytology*
  • Brain / growth & development
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Optical Imaging
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods*

Substances

  • Indicators and Reagents