Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications
Publication Date
1-1-2022
Journal
Frontiers in Neural Circuits
DOI
10.3389/fncir.2022.886302
PMID
35719420
PMCID
PMC9204427
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
5-26-2022
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Animals, Brain, Calcium, Learning, Mammals, Neurotransmitter Agents, Optogenetics, neural circuit tracing, cell type-specific, viral genetic technology, calcium/voltage indicator imaging, neurotransmitter/biosensors, chemogenetics, optogenetics, targeted ablation
Abstract
Neural circuits and the cells that comprise them represent the functional units of the brain. Circuits relay and process sensory information, maintain homeostasis, drive behaviors, and facilitate cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Creating a functionally-precise map of the mammalian brain requires anatomically tracing neural circuits, monitoring their activity patterns, and manipulating their activity to infer function. Advancements in cell-type-specific genetic tools allow interrogation of neural circuits with increased precision. This review provides a broad overview of recombination-based and activity-driven genetic targeting approaches, contemporary viral tracing strategies, electrophysiological recording methods, newly developed calcium, and voltage indicators, and neurotransmitter/neuropeptide biosensors currently being used to investigate circuit architecture and function. Finally, it discusses methods for acute or chronic manipulation of neural activity, including genetically-targeted cellular ablation, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and over-expression of ion channels. With this ever-evolving genetic toolbox, scientists are continuing to probe neural circuits with increasing resolution, elucidating the structure and function of the incredibly complex mammalian brain.
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Genetic Phenomena Commons, Medical Genetics Commons, Neurology Commons, Neurosciences Commons