An anterograde rabies virus vector for high-resolution large-scale reconstruction of 3D neuron morphology

Brain Struct Funct. 2015;220(3):1369-79. doi: 10.1007/s00429-014-0730-z. Epub 2014 Apr 11.

Abstract

Glycoprotein-deleted rabies virus (RABV ∆G) is a powerful tool for the analysis of neural circuits. Here, we demonstrate the utility of an anterograde RABV ∆G variant for novel neuroanatomical approaches involving either bulk or sparse neuronal populations. This technology exploits the unique features of RABV ∆G vectors, namely autonomous, rapid high-level expression of transgenes, and limited cytotoxicity. Our vector permits the unambiguous long-range and fine-scale tracing of the entire axonal arbor of individual neurons throughout the brain. Notably, this level of labeling can be achieved following infection with a single viral particle. The vector is effective over a range of ages (>14 months) aiding the studies of neurodegenerative disorders or aging, and infects numerous cell types in all brain regions tested. Lastly, it can also be readily combined with retrograde RABV ∆G variants. Together with other modern technologies, this tool provides new possibilities for the investigation of the anatomy and physiology of neural circuits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology
  • Animals
  • Axonal Transport / physiology
  • Brain / cytology*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / pathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Genetic Vectors / metabolism*
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Rabies virus / genetics*
  • Rabies virus / metabolism
  • Staining and Labeling / methods*

Substances

  • Glycoproteins