神经环路示踪工具病毒的研究进展

Tools for Neural Circuit Tracing Based on Neurotropic Viruses

脑是机体最为复杂的系统,决定着情感、记忆、学习等生理活动。神经环路是脑行使功能的基础,明确神经环路的构成和工作原理,对于认识脑、利用脑和保护脑具有十分重要的意义。神经环路结构和功能解析涉及环路标记、成像和数据分析等。本文以环路标记为出发点,重点介绍了以嗜神经病毒为基础的神经环路示踪工具体系及其应用技术,阐述了常用的嗜神经工具病毒类别及其特性、遗传改造、选用原则及应用限制等问题,并对不跨突触示踪工具系统、跨单级突触示踪工具系统和跨多级突触示踪工具系统进行介绍,以期帮助读者了解当前脑科学研究中不可替代的环路标记新方法及其研究新进展。

The brain is probably the most complex system.Neurocircuits,formed by various types of neurons through synaptic connections,are the basis of brain functions,from the basic homeostasis,senses and perception,for learning,memory,decision-making,and consciousness.Therefore,it is of great significance to understand the component and working principle of neurocircuits,so as to recognize,utilize and protect the brain.Techniques for exploring the structure and function of neurocircuits include circuit-tracing,manipulating,imaging and data-analyzing.In this paper,we focus on the neurocircuit tracers based on neurotropic viruses and its application technology.The categories and characteristics,genetic modification,selection principles and application limitations of commonly used neurotropic viral tools will be discussed.The non-transsynaptic tracer system,the trans-monosynaptic tracer system and the trans-multisynaptic tracer system are also introduced to help readers understand the commonly used circuit tracing methods and research progress.