Molecular analysis of behavior by gene transfer into neurons with herpes simplex vectors

One goal of neuroscience is to define the molecular and cellular basis for behavior and neurological diseases. A novel approach to this problem is bas ed on the use of Viral vectors to transfect specific genes into specific br ain cell populations. This review focuses on herpes simplex-based vectors. Major advances have recently been made to improve the characteristics of th ese vectors, in particular to reduce their toxicity, to modulate the greatn ess and the time-course of transgene expression, to precisely target specif ic cell populations, and to transfer multiple genes. Much remains to be don e to obtain robust and prolonged transgene expression. However, specific al terations in the behavior and in disease models have already been described following the herpes simplex vector-mediated expression of specific genes within highly localized brain areas. Therefore, this research strategy is L ikely to provide new clues on the cellular and molecular basis of behavior and of neurological diseases. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights res erved.