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Review
. 2022 Dec;38(12):1508-1518.
doi: 10.1007/s12264-022-00949-z. Epub 2022 Sep 22.

Viral Tools for Neural Circuit Tracing

Qing Liu  1   2 , Yang Wu  3   2 , Huadong Wang  1   2 , Fan Jia  1   2 , Fuqiang Xu  4   5   6   7
Affiliations
Review

Viral Tools for Neural Circuit Tracing

Qing Liu et al. Neurosci Bull. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Anterograde; Neural circuit; Retrograde; Trans-synaptic; Viral tool.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors claim that there are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematics of the anterograde or retrograde transmission of non-transsynaptic (static) and transsynaptic (trans-multisynaptic or monosynaptic) viral tools. This figure is adapted from Fig. 1 in [86].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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