Revealing the secrets of neuronal circuits with recombinant rabies virus technology

Abstract

An understanding of how the brain processes information requires knowledge of the architecture of its underlying neuronal circuits, as well as insights into the relationship between architecture and physiological function. A range of sophisticated tools is needed to acquire this knowledge, and recombinant rabies virus (RABV) is becoming an increasingly important part of this essential toolbox. RABV has been recognized for years for its properties as a synapse-specific trans-neuronal tracer. A novel genetically modified variant now enables the investigation of specific monosynaptic connections. This technology, in combination with other genetic, physiological, optical, and computational tools, has enormous potential for the visualization of neuronal circuits, and for monitoring and manipulating their activity. Here we will summarize the latest developments in this fast moving field and provide a perspective for the use of this technology for the dissection of neuronal circuit structure and function in the normal and diseased brain.

The Input-Output Relationship of the Cholinergic Basal Forebrain

“…Additionally, since only one in every four sections throughout the brain was mapped and analyzed, each distribution of input cells should be viewed as a sample of a sample for this viral tracing, as previously suggested (Ginger et al, 2013). In spite of these various methodological limitations, we still see some within-group similarities and notable significant between-group difference in inputs collecting three rats per group for the four regions studied.…”

G gene-deficient single-round rabies viruses for neuronal circuit analysis

“…RABV G virus based mapping of neural connectivity in the peripheral and central nervous system is continuing to yield a wealth of information on the intricacies of specific circuits (for a recent overview see, Ginger et al, 2013). In addition, valuable information on the biology of RABV will be gained.…”

Evaluation of WGA–Cre-dependent topological transgene expression in the rodent brain

“…Modern tracing methods utilize neurotropic viruses, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), the pseudorabies virus (PRV), and the rabies virus (RV), to efficiently cross the synapses of the first-order and higher order connected neurons (Aston-Jones and Card 2000; Boldogköi et al 2004). However, local spread of viruses, neuroinflammation (for HSV), cytotoxicity, and strict biosafety requirements (for PRV, RV) are major limitations of these neurotropic viruses (Ginger et al 2013).…”