c-FOS⁺ Brain Mapping Service

Two protooncogene families, fos and jun, have received special attention within the neurophysiological community during the last decades. So far there are four cloned fos genes: c-fos, fos-B, fra-1, and fra-2, which encode four proteins designated as c-Fos, Fos-B, Fra-1, and Fra-2. c-fos gene is one of the most actively studied (protoonco) genes, the expression of c-Fos could be used as a marker of neuronal activity. This is because the expression of c-Fos makes no assumption about the phenotype of the neurons concerned, and also because it is possible to scan the whole brain using quite routine immunocytochemical or in situ hybridization methods, now well established. c-fos has become the most widely used to map the brain either of a systemic or a processive nature.

At Creative Biolabs, we provide c-FOS⁺ brain mapping services to our global clients to facilitate your various studies on neuronal circuits.

Why use c- FOS as a tool for studying neuronal systems?

• Easy to carry out.

As conventional immunohistochemical procedures are used to reveal Fos-positive neurons.

• Much higher resolution.

Since individual Fos-positive neurons are labeled.

• Brief expression.

Provided careful attention is paid to the experimental conditions, the baseline level of Fos expression in the absence of specific stimulation is low.

• Only activated cell bodies express Fos.

The problem of discriminating between activated terminals and cell bodies does not arise.

• Much longer half-life than the mRNA.
• Identify the phenotype of activated neurons.
• The c-Fos protein is nuclear, thus permitting easy detection of markers located within the cytoplasm with standard double labeling techniques.
• Can be combined with other procedures such as the immunohistochemical detection of transmitters or retrogradely-transported tracers.

c-FOS Detection Process

Fig. 1 c-fos imaging of astrocytes and vascular endothelial cells in hypoxic-ischemic mice. (Burnsed, 2019)

With extensive research experience, Creative Biolabs also helps our clients validate and develop the most cost-effective experimental designs and protocols. Technical support is provided throughout the research process. Creative Biolabs has been serving biologists around the world with cutting-edge and state-of-the-art technology and expertise for twenty years. Our professional research team and high-quality and comprehensive customized services are the reasons why global clients choose us. If you are also interested in our services, please contact us directly.

Reference

1. Burnsed, J.; et al. Neuronal Circuit Activity during Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Seizures in Mice. Ann Neurol. 2019, 12, 86(6), 927-938.