Allen Brain Atlas

The Allen Brain Atlas is a comprehensive resource for understanding the gene expression patterns in the brain. Developed by the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the atlas provides a detailed map of where genes are active in the brain, offering insights into the neuroscience of brain function and neurological disorders.

Overview

The Allen Brain Atlas is a collection of online public resources integrating data from various neuroanatomical and genomic studies. It is designed to aid researchers in exploring the complex architecture of the brain and understanding how different genes contribute to brain function and development.

Development

The Allen Institute for Brain Science, creator of the Allen Brain Atlas.

The atlas was initiated by the Allen Institute for Brain Science, founded by Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft. The project began in 2003 with the goal of creating a comprehensive map of gene expression in the mouse brain. Since then, the atlas has expanded to include data from human and other species' brains.

Features

The Allen Brain Atlas includes several key features:

• Gene Expression Data: The atlas provides detailed information on where specific genes are expressed in the brain, using techniques such as in situ hybridization and RNA sequencing.
• Interactive Tools: Users can explore the data through interactive tools that allow for visualization and analysis of gene expression patterns.
• Cross-Species Comparisons: The atlas includes data from multiple species, enabling comparisons of gene expression across different organisms.

Applications

The Allen Brain Atlas is used by researchers worldwide to:

• Investigate the genetic basis of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia.
• Study the development and function of the brain at a molecular level.
• Explore the evolutionary aspects of brain structure and function.

Related pages

• Neuroscience
• Gene expression
• Neuroanatomy
• Allen Institute for Brain Science