The claustrum (CLA) is a small, sheet-like subcortical structure in the mammalian brain that has been associated with a variety of functions, from consciousness to impulse control. However, research on the CLA has been challenging due to difficulties in specifically and comprehensively targeting its neuronal populations.
The authors identified the Smim32 gene as being almost exclusively expressed in excitatory neurons of the CLA and endopiriform nucleus, as well as in inhibitory neurons of the thalamic reticular nucleus. Leveraging this unique expression pattern, they developed a series of Cre- and Flippase-expressing knockin and BAC transgenic mouse lines with different expression profiles.
The Smim32-Cre and Smim32-Flpo knockin lines, as well as the Tg(Smim32-Cre)61Irod and Tg(Smim32-Cre)62Irod BAC transgenic lines, allow for specific and comprehensive targeting of CLA neurons. These novel genetic tools provide new standards for the interrogation of CLA function and enable a wide range of applications, including cell-type specific labeling, manipulation, and analysis of CLA neurons.
The authors demonstrate the versatility of these lines by combining them with various Cre-inducible genetic tools, such as viral vectors, designer receptors, and calcium indicators. These tools offer new possibilities for the functional dissection of the CLA and its role in diverse brain functions.
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biorxiv.org
Önemli Bilgiler Şuradan Elde Edildi
by tuberosa,j.,... : www.biorxiv.org 05-14-2024
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.05.13.593837v1Daha Derin Sorular