Gene transfer into neurones for the molecular analysis of behaviour: focuson herpes simplex vectors

The use of viral vectors to transfect genes into specific brain-cell popula tions is a novel approach that can be used to investigate the molecular and cellular basis of brain function. Ideal vectors should be targetable and c apable of regulated transgene expression. From the viral vectors developed so far, this article focuses on herpes simplex virus I (HSV-I)-based vector s. HSV-I vectors can be engineered for gene transfer to the brain, which ma kes them suitable for neuroscience research applications. In particular gen etic manipulations of the virus can almost eliminate toxicity and allow exp ression of multiple transgenes simultaneously. In some instances, transfect ion of selected neuronal populations is also possible. Specific alterations in behaviour and in disease models have been described after the viral-vec tor-mediated expression of specific genes within highly localized brain reg ions.