A viral vector, which is available to various animal models, is an excellent genetic tool, and at present, it becomes one of most important experimental technologies to analyze brain functions. We set up a system to produce a large amount of high quality viral vectors, AAV and lentiviral vectors. In response to requests, we provide these viral vectors and promote the collaboration.
Brain functions are controlled by complex neural circuits. To understand brain functions, it is necessary to clarify the function of specific neural pathways forming complex circuits. We have succeeded in developing a novel gene transfer system, a dual viral vector system using highly efficient retrograde gene transfer viral vectors, enabling the functional analysis of specific neural pathways (Fig. 1). By using this system, we analyze the function of specific neural pathways forming the cortico-basal ganglia loop. In addition, we have succeeded in developing a novel retrograde gene transfer system based on the AAV vector.
