The mammalian brain is composed of a large number of highly diverse cell types with different molecular, anatomical, and functional features. Distinct cellular identities are generated during development under the regulation of intricate genetic programs and manifested through unique combinations of gene expression. Recent advancements in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the assembly, function, and pathology of the brain circuitry depend on the invention and application of genetic strategies that engage intrinsic gene regulatory mechanisms. Here we review the strategies for gene regulation on DNA, RNA, and protein levels and their applications in cell type targeting and neural circuit dissection. We highlight newly emerged strategies and emphasize the importance of combinatorial approaches. We also discuss the potential caveats and pitfalls in current methods and suggest future prospects to improve their comprehensiveness and versatility.

哺乳动物的大脑由大量高度多样化的细胞类型组成，这些细胞类型具有不同的分子、解剖学和功能特征。不同的细胞身份是在复杂的遗传程序调控下的发育过程中产生的，并通过基因表达的独特组合表现出来。我们对大脑回路的组装、功能和病理学背后的分子和细胞机制的理解的最新进展取决于涉及内在基因调控机制的遗传策略的发明和应用。在这里，我们回顾了 DNA、RNA 和蛋白质水平的基因调控策略及其在细胞类型靶向和神经回路解剖中的应用。我们强调新出现的策略并强调组合方法的重要性。