April 1, 2011 (Vol. 31, No. 7)
URL:
http://www.nibb.ac.jp/brish/indexE.html
Rating:
Strong Points: ISH protocols
Weak Points: Many atlas features “in preparation”
Summary:
OK, so here’s the “situ”ation—if you enjoy clever portmanteau words, then BraInSitu is right up your alley. (And, oh yeah, if you’re interested in molecular neuroanatomy—that is, the expression patterns of genes in the brain—then you’ll also probably enjoy this site!) BraInSitu is more of an exhibition of various in situ hybridization techniques and specific two- and three-probe combinations, rather than a comprehensive atlas of gene expression, although there are some examples of serial sections stained for various gene markers in the monkey. Many of the genes are listed as “in preparation,” however. (A comparable mouse atlas is also “in preparation.”) One of the more useful aspects of this site is the collection of in situ protocols. There is also a database of probes that have been previously published either by the group behind the website or by others.
