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A viral toolbox for conditional and transneuronal gene expression in zebrafish
Chie Satou1, Rachael L Neve2, Hassana K Oyibo1
1Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
Elife
|July 22, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed new viral tools for zebrafish neuroscience. These herpes simplex virus (HSV1) and rabies virus methods enable precise visualization and manipulation of neuronal circuits in zebrafish models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Zebrafish are crucial for systems neuroscience research.
- Established viral tools for neuronal circuit dissection in zebrafish are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop efficient viral tools for gene transfer and neuronal tracing in zebrafish.
- To enable cell-type-specific targeting and manipulation of neural circuits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) for gene transfer and retrograde tracing.
- Combined HSV1 with the Gal4/UAS system for cell-type specificity.
- Developed modified rabies viruses for transneuronal tracing.
- Created an expandable library of viral tools for expressing various molecular payloads.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated efficient gene transfer and retrograde tracing in adult and larval zebrafish using HSV1.
- Established methods for transneuronal tracing with modified rabies viruses.
- Showcased the ability to visualize and manipulate genetically or anatomically identified neurons.
- Provided a versatile toolbox for interrogating neuronal circuits.
Conclusions:
- HSV1 and rabies viruses are effective tools for zebrafish neuroscience.
- These viral approaches, combined with genetic methods, offer new possibilities for studying neural circuits.
- The developed toolbox enhances the utility of zebrafish as a model organism for systems neuroscience.
