A MicroRNA-Based Gene-Targeting Tool for Virally Labeling Interneurons in the Rodent Cortex

Summary: More specific and broadly applicable viral gene-targeting tools for labeling neuron subtypes are needed to advance neuroscience research, especially in rodent transgenic disease models and genetically intractable species. Here, we develop a viral vector that restricts transgene expression to GABAergic interneurons in the rodent neocortex by exploiting endogenous microRNA regulation. Our interneuron-targeting, microRNA-guided neuron tag, “GABA mAGNET,” achieves >95% interneuron selective labeling in the mouse cortex, including in a murine model of autism and also some preferential labeling of interneurons in the rat brain. We demonstrate an application of our GABA mAGNET by performing simultaneous, in vivo optogenetic control of two distinct neuron subtypes. This interneuron labeling tool highlights the potential of microRNA-based viral gene targeting to specific neuron subtypes. : Viral targeting of neuron subtypes is desirable for neuroscience research. Keaveney et al. developed a microRNA-based viral tool for labeling cortical interneurons. They demonstrate its utility via neuron subtype labeling in a murine disease model and in rats and through dual-color optogenetic control of two neuron types. Keywords: interneurons, GABAergic, gene therapy, gene targeting, genetic labeling, lentivirus, AAV, microRNA, mouse, rat, autism, mAGNE