Editing Allen Brain Atlas (section)

==Atlases==

===Mouse Brain===
The Allen Mouse Brain Atlas is a comprehensive genome-wide map of the adult mouse brain that reveals where each gene is expressed.<ref>{{ cite web | title = Allen Mouse Brain Atlas | url = http://www.alleninstitute.org/science/public_resources/atlases/mouse_atlas.html | access-date = 20 April 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120421041910/http://www.alleninstitute.org/science/public_resources/atlases/mouse_atlas.html | archive-date = 21 April 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The mouse brain atlas was the original project of the Allen Brain Atlas and was finished in 2006. The purpose of the atlas is to aid in the development of neuroscience research. The hope of the project is that it will allow scientists to gain a better understanding of brain diseases and disorders such as [[autism]] and [[depression (mood)|depression]].<ref name="AalokMehta2006"/>

===Human Brain===
The Allen Human Brain Atlas was made public in May 2010. It was the first anatomically and genomically comprehensive three-dimensional human brain map.<ref>{{cite web | title = Allen Human Brain Atlas Updated with Comprehensive gene Map | publisher = TS-Si | url = http://ts-si.org/neuroscience/29735-allen-human-brain-atlas-updated-with-comprehensive-gene-map | access-date = 20 April 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110808084208/http://ts-si.org/neuroscience/29735-allen-human-brain-atlas-updated-with-comprehensive-gene-map | archive-date = 8 August 2011 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The atlas was created to enhance research in many neuroscience research fields including neuropharmacology, human brain imaging, human genetics, neuroanatomy, genomics and more. The atlas is also geared toward furthering research into mental health disorders and brain injuries such as [[Alzheimer's disease]], autism, [[schizophrenia]] and [[substance abuse|drug addiction]].

===Developing Mouse Brain===
The Allen Developing Mouse Brain Atlas is an atlas which tracks gene expression throughout the development of a C57BL/6 mouse brain. The project began in 2008 and is currently ongoing. The atlas is based on [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI). It traces the growth, [[white matter]], connectivity, and development of the [[C57BL/6]] mouse brain from embryonic day 12 to postnatal day 80.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Holzman | first = David C. | title = Innovative Technologies: MRI-Based Atlas of the Developing Mouse Brain Debuts | journal = Environmental Health Perspectives | volume = 119 | issue = 4 | pages = 165 | date = April 2011 | pmc=3080956 | pmid=21459709 | doi=10.1289/ehp.119-a165}}</ref>
This atlas enhances the ability of neuroscientists to study how pollutants and [[genetic mutations]] effect the development of the brain. Thus, the atlas may be used to determine what [[toxins]] pose special threats to children and pregnant mothers.

===Mouse Brain Connectivity===
The Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas was launched in November 2011.<ref>{{ cite web | title = Allen Mouse Brain Atlas | url = http://www.alleninstitute.org/science/public_resources/atlases/connectivity_atlas.html | access-date = 20 April 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120920065104/http://www.alleninstitute.org/science/public_resources/atlases/connectivity_atlas.html | archive-date = 20 September 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Unlike other atlases from the Allen Institute, this atlas focuses on the identification of neural circuitry that govern behavior and brain function. This neural circuitry is responsible for functions like behavior and perception. This map will allow scientists to further understand how the brain works and what causes brain diseases and disorders, such as [[Parkinson's disease]] and depression.<ref>{{ cite web | title = Allen Institute for Brain Science launches new atlas, adds new data and tools to others | url = http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-11-allen-brain-science-atlas-tools.html | date = 14 November 2011 | access-date = 20 April 2012 }}</ref>

===Mouse Spinal Cord===
Unveiled in July 2008, the Allen Mouse Spinal Cord Atlas was the first genome-wide map of the mouse spinal cord ever constructed. The spinal cord atlas is a map of genome wide gene expression in the spinal cord of adult and juvenile C57 black mice. The initial unveiling included data for 2,000 genes and an anatomical reference section. A plan for the future includes expanding the amount of data to about 20,000 genes spanning the full length of the spinal cord.

The aim of the spinal cord atlas is to enhance research in the treatment of spinal cord injury, diseases, and disorders such as Lou Gehrig's diseases and spinal muscular atrophy. The project was funded by an array of donors including the Allen Research Institute, [[Paralyzed Veterans of America]] Research Foundation, the [[ALS Association]], [[Wyeth Research]], PEMCO Insurance, [[National Multiple Sclerosis Society]], International Spinal Research Trust, and many other organizations, foundations, corporate and private donors.<ref>{{  cite web | last = Duyo | first = D. | title = The Allen Spinal Cord Atlas Unveiled | publisher = American Medical Writers Association | date = September 2008 | url = http://www.amwa-midatlantic.org/archive/2008SpinalAtlas.html | access-date = 20 April 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120227151844/http://www.amwa-midatlantic.org/archive/2008SpinalAtlas.html | archive-date = 27 February 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref>