Study of miRNA function in the developing axons of mouse cortical neurons: Use of compartmentalized microfluidic chambers and in utero electroporation

Abstract

The understanding of brain function requires the study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the growth and development of neuron connections. This is a process driven by the polarization of the neuron into a highly structured morphology with dendritic arborizations and a long axonal projection. In recent years, miRNAs have been described as key players in these processes, both at the level of axon development and synaptic plasticity. Here, we describe a microfluidic compartmentalized cortical neuron culture and the in utero electroporation techniques for the study of miRNAs and their role in axon development.