Directed stepwise tracing of polysynaptic neuronal circuits with replication-deficient pseudorabies virus
Wenqin Du1, Elizabeth Li1, Jun Guo1
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
Cell Reports Methods
|July 10, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method for tracing neural pathways in the brain. This technique, using an inducible virus, maps connections between the hippocampus and striatum, crucial for learning and memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Polysynaptic circuits are essential for complex brain functions.
- Examining these circuits is challenging due to limitations in current tracing methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for directed, stepwise retrograde polysynaptic tracing.
- To delineate the neural wiring diagram between the hippocampus and striatum.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an inducible reconstitution of replication-deficient trans-neuronal pseudorabies virus (PRVΔIE).
- Temporally restricted PRVΔIE replication to minimize neurotoxicity.
- Applied the system to map connections between hippocampal and striatal areas.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated directed, stepwise retrograde polysynaptic tracing.
- Delineated a detailed wiring diagram between specific hippocampal domains and striatal areas.
- Identified distinct intermediate brain regions involved in these pathways.
Conclusions:
- The inducible PRVΔIE system provides a powerful tool for dissecting polysynaptic circuits.
- This method advances our understanding of neural circuits underlying learning, memory, and navigation.
- Enables detailed mapping of complex brain connectivity.
