Advances in genetic techniques allow ever more accurate targeting of specific neurons with reagents that modulate or detect their activity. At the same time, advances in imaging technology and image processing are producing detailed maps of neuroanatomy down to the level of individual synaptic connections. As a result, there are now unprecedented opportunities to use the power of model organism genetics to functionally dissect neural circuits: inhibiting, activating or otherwise modulating the activity specific neurons and observing the effects on phenotype and circuit function. To take full advantage of these opportunities, researchers need simple, intuitive tools to search and visualize data integrated from multiple bulk datasets, identify candidate circuit elements, and find reagents to target specific neurons. These tools need to be integrated with systems for combining and viewing 3D images.
Virtual Fly Brain (VFB) fulfils this role, integrating data curated from the literature and from many bulk sources. Its search system allows users to search for neurons and neuro-anatomical structures using almost any name found in the literature. Its sophisticated query system allows users to identify neurons innervating any specified neuropil or fasciculating with any specified tract. It also allows users to query for genes, transgenes and phenotypes expressed in any brain region or neuron. Search and query results combine referenced textual descriptions with links to related structures and 3D images. VFB features tens of thousands of 3D images of neurons, clones and expression patterns, registered to a standard adult brain. Any combination of these images can be viewed together on our stack browser. A BLAST-type query system (NBLAST) allows users to find similar neurons and drivers starting from a registered neuron tracing.
We will present a new version of VFB featuring a 3D image browser and a new adult ventral nerve cord template with registered image data. We will also outline plans for the release of VFB 2.0 later this year. This will feature a fully interactive 3D browser, a new query interface with full integration of NBLAST and a standard larval brain. Drosophila neurobiologists have generated a particularly rich set of shared neuroanatomical data and genetic driver lines; our experiences with VFB should be very relevant for other model organism resources focussing on the nervous system..