New developments in tracing neural circuits with herpesviruses

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Virology
• Animal Models

Background:

• Neurotropic viruses infect the nervous system and spread through connected neurons.
• This property allows for the identification of hierarchical neural circuits in vivo.
• Herpesviruses, particularly pseudorabies virus (PRV), are effective neuronal tract tracers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of neurotropic viruses, specifically PRV, as neuronal tract tracers.
• To highlight novel PRV applications for mapping neural circuit convergence and divergence.
• To demonstrate these techniques in the context of seasonal obesity reversal in Siberian hamsters.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing attenuated strains of pseudorabies virus (PRV) for their broad host range and neurotropic properties.
• Employing multiple infections with PRV reporter viruses to simultaneously trace distinct neuronal populations.
• Applying these methods in Siberian hamsters to investigate neural circuit dynamics related to seasonal changes.

Main Results:

• PRV enables the visualization of complex, hierarchically connected neuronal circuits.
• Dual-infection strategies with PRV reporter viruses effectively demonstrate circuit convergence and divergence.
• These techniques provide insights into neural mechanisms underlying seasonal physiological changes.

Conclusions:

• Neurotropic herpesviruses, especially PRV, are powerful tools for neuronal tract tracing.
• Advanced PRV applications allow for detailed mapping of neural circuit organization and function.
• This approach offers a valuable method for studying neural adaptations in animal models.