Biology (Feb 2023)

Single-Cell Labeling Strategies to Dissect Neuronal Structures and Local Functions

  • Keigo Kohara,
  • Masayoshi Okada

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12020321
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 2
p. 321

Abstract

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The brain network consists of ten billion neurons and is the most complex structure in the universe. Understanding the structure of complex brain networks and neuronal functions is one of the main goals of modern neuroscience. Since the seminal invention of Golgi staining, single-cell labeling methods have been among the most potent approaches for dissecting neuronal structures and neural circuits. Furthermore, the development of sparse single-cell transgenic methods has enabled single-cell gene knockout studies to examine the local functions of various genes in neural circuits and synapses. Here, we review non-transgenic single-cell labeling methods and recent advances in transgenic strategies for sparse single neuronal labeling. These methods and strategies will fundamentally contribute to the understanding of brain structure and function.

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