Understanding the complex neural circuits that underpin brain function and behavior has been a long-standing goal of neuroscience. Yet this is no small feat considering the interconnectedness of neurons and other cell types, both within and across brain regions. In this review, we describe recent advances in mouse molecular genetic engineering that can be used to integrate information on brain activity and structure at regional, cellular, and subcellular levels. The convergence of structural inputs can be mapped throughout the brain in a cell type-specific manner by antero- and retrograde viral systems expressing various fluorescent proteins and genetic switches. Furthermore, neural activity can be manipulated using opto- and chemo-genetic tools to interrogate the functional significance of this input convergence. Monitoring neuronal activity is obtained with precise spatiotemporal resolution using genetically encoded sensors for calcium changes and specific neurotransmitters. Combining these genetically engineered mapping tools is a compelling approach for unraveling the structural and functional brain architecture of complex behaviors and malfunctioned states of neurological disorders.

中文翻译：

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收敛电路映射：从结构到功能

了解支撑大脑功能和行为的复杂神经回路一直是神经科学的一个长期目标。然而，考虑到大脑区域内和跨大脑区域的神经元和其他细胞类型的相互关联性，这并非易事。在这篇综述中，我们描述了小鼠分子遗传工程的最新进展，这些进展可用于在区域、细胞和亚细胞水平上整合有关大脑活动和结构的信息。通过表达各种荧光蛋白和遗传开关的顺行和逆行病毒系统，可以以细胞类型特定的方式在整个大脑中映射结构输入的收敛。此外，可以使用光遗传学和化学遗传学工具操纵神经活动，以询问这种输入收敛的功能意义。使用基因编码传感器检测钙变化和特定神经递质，以精确的时空分辨率监测神经元活动。结合这些基因工程绘图工具是一种令人信服的方法，可以解开复杂行为的结构和功能大脑结构以及神经系统疾病的故障状态。