Improved serotonin neuron-specific viral vectors applicable for optogenetic manipulation and recording

Serotonin neurons are central to the pathophysiology and therapeutics of mental disorders, including major depressive disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Genetically modified mice make it possible to target serotonin neurons by selective expression of the Cre and Flp genes; however, orthogonal methods that can be used in combination with Cre and Flp are of high importance, considering the highly complicated neural networks in the brain. Here, we improved serotonin neuron-specific viral vectors with higher specificity and sufficient potency for optogenetic manipulation and recording.