Improved serotonin neuron-specific viral vectors applicable for optogenetic manipulation and recording.

Journal: Journal of pharmacological sciences
Published Date: May 8, 2025

Abstract

Serotonin neurons are central to the pathophysiology and therapeutics of mental disorders, including major depressive disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Genetically modified mice make it possible to target serotonin neurons by selective expression of the Cre and Flp genes; however, orthogonal methods that can be used in combination with Cre and Flp are of high importance, considering the highly complicated neural networks in the brain. Here, we improved serotonin neuron-specific viral vectors with higher specificity and sufficient potency for optogenetic manipulation and recording.

Authors

  • Takuma Noguchi
    Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Yoshida-Shimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, 565-0871, Japan; Project for Neural Networks, Drug Innovation Center, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
  • Harune Hori
    Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Yoshida-Shimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, 565-0871, Japan; Project for Neural Networks, Drug Innovation Center, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
  • Koji Toda
    Department of Psychology, Keio University, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8345, Japan.
  • Hisashi Shirakawa
    Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Yoshida-Shimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
  • Hitoshi Hashimoto
    Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, 565-0871, Japan; Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Transdimensional Life Imaging Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Department of Molecular Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
  • Kazuki Nagayasu
    Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, 46-29 Yoshida-Shimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan. nagayasu@pharm.kyoto-u.ac.jp.

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