Neural circuits provide an anatomical basis for functional networks.Therefore,dissecting the structure of neural circuits is essential to understanding how the brain works.Recombinant neurotropic viruses are important...Neural circuits provide an anatomical basis for functional networks.Therefore,dissecting the structure of neural circuits is essential to understanding how the brain works.Recombinant neurotropic viruses are important tools for neural circuit tracing with many advantages over non-viral tracers:they allow for anterograde,retrograde,and trans-synaptic delivery of tracers in a cell type-specific,circuit-selective manner.In this review,we summarize the recent developments in the viral tools for neural circuit tracing,discuss the key principles of using viral tools in neuroscience research,and highlight innovations for developing and optimizing viral tools for neural circuit tracing across diverse animal species,including nonhuman primates.展开更多
Behavioral studies play a crucial role in unraveling the mechanisms underlying brain function.Recent advances in optogenetics,neuronal typing and labeling,and circuit tracing have facilitated the dissection of the neu...Behavioral studies play a crucial role in unraveling the mechanisms underlying brain function.Recent advances in optogenetics,neuronal typing and labeling,and circuit tracing have facilitated the dissection of the neural circuitry involved in various important behaviors.The identification of monosynaptic connections,both upstream and downstream of specific neurons,serves as the foundation for understanding complex neural circuits and studying behavioral mechanisms.However,the practical implementation and mechanistic understanding of monosynaptic connection tracing techniques and functional identification remain challenging,particularly for inexperienced researchers.Improper application of these methods and misinterpretation of results can impede experimental progress and lead to erroneous conclusions.In this paper,we present a comprehensive description of the principles,specific operational details,and key steps involved in tracing anterograde and retrograde monosynaptic connections.We outline the process of functionally identifying monosynaptic connections through the integration of optogenetics and electrophysiological techniques,providing practical guidance for researchers.展开更多
基金This review was supported by the National Science and Technology Innovation 2030(2021ZD0201003)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB32030200)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31830035)the Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine(ZDSYS20200811142401005).
文摘Neural circuits provide an anatomical basis for functional networks.Therefore,dissecting the structure of neural circuits is essential to understanding how the brain works.Recombinant neurotropic viruses are important tools for neural circuit tracing with many advantages over non-viral tracers:they allow for anterograde,retrograde,and trans-synaptic delivery of tracers in a cell type-specific,circuit-selective manner.In this review,we summarize the recent developments in the viral tools for neural circuit tracing,discuss the key principles of using viral tools in neuroscience research,and highlight innovations for developing and optimizing viral tools for neural circuit tracing across diverse animal species,including nonhuman primates.
基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFC2402703)Scientific and Technological Innovation 2030 Program of China,major projects(2021ZD0200408)+3 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171007 and 31800880)Non-profit Central Research Institute Fund of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(2018PT31041)Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province(2018B030331001)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(K20210089).
文摘Behavioral studies play a crucial role in unraveling the mechanisms underlying brain function.Recent advances in optogenetics,neuronal typing and labeling,and circuit tracing have facilitated the dissection of the neural circuitry involved in various important behaviors.The identification of monosynaptic connections,both upstream and downstream of specific neurons,serves as the foundation for understanding complex neural circuits and studying behavioral mechanisms.However,the practical implementation and mechanistic understanding of monosynaptic connection tracing techniques and functional identification remain challenging,particularly for inexperienced researchers.Improper application of these methods and misinterpretation of results can impede experimental progress and lead to erroneous conclusions.In this paper,we present a comprehensive description of the principles,specific operational details,and key steps involved in tracing anterograde and retrograde monosynaptic connections.We outline the process of functionally identifying monosynaptic connections through the integration of optogenetics and electrophysiological techniques,providing practical guidance for researchers.
