Edinburgh Mouse Atlas EMAP

Edinburgh Mouse Atlas EMAP provides integrated gene expression and spatial mapping resources to support analysis of mouse embryonic development.

Key Features:

• In situ gene expression database: Contains text-based descriptions and spatial maps of in situ hybridization gene expression patterns across embryonic stages.
• 3D spatial mapping: Uses optical projection tomography (OPT) to capture 3D embryo images and maps these images onto digital embryo models.
• Enhancer data integration: Integrates enhancer data including spatial mapping from transgenic reporter mouse experiments that profile non-coding genomic DNA fragment activity.
• Anatomical atlas integration: Integrates with the eMouseAtlas anatomical atlas to establish spatial correspondence between anatomical structures and gene expression patterns.
• Cross-indexing capabilities: Performs spatial cross-indexing with EMBRYS whole-mount in situ hybridization datasets to combine complementary developmental expression data.

Scientific Applications:

• Developmental biology studies: Supports analysis of spatial and temporal gene expression during mouse embryogenesis.
• Genetic research: Enables study of gene function and genetic regulation through mapped expression patterns and integrated enhancer activity.
• Gene regulatory network investigation: Facilitates investigation of gene regulatory networks by linking spatial expression data with enhancer activity and anatomy.
• Identification of developmental genes: Assists identification of genes implicated in embryogenesis through spatially resolved expression profiles.

Methodology:

Optical projection tomography is used to acquire 3D embryo images that are mapped onto digital embryo models; in situ hybridization and transgenic reporter expression data are spatially mapped and cross-indexed with EMBRYS datasets and integrated with the eMouseAtlas anatomical framework.