Monosynaptic tracing: a step-by-step protocol

J Chem Neuroanat. 2019 Dec:102:101661. doi: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2019.101661. Epub 2019 Aug 10.

Abstract

Monosynaptic tracing using deletion-mutant rabies virus allows whole-brain mapping of neurons that are directly presynaptic to a targeted population of neurons. The most common and robust way of implementing it is to use Cre mouse lines in combination with Cre-dependent adeno-associated viral vectors for expression of the required genes in the targeted neurons before subsequent injection of the rabies virus. Here we present a step-by-step protocol for performing such experiments using first-generation (ΔG) rabies viral vectors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Neuroanatomical Tract-Tracing Techniques / methods*
  • Neuronal Tract-Tracers*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Rabies virus

Substances

  • Neuronal Tract-Tracers