Why do you think your paper is highly cited?

There have been numerous recent advances in techniques that are available for the study of neural circuits. Many of these take advantage of recent genetic technologies for targeting specific cell types. This has resulted in a strong resurgence of interest in studying neural circuits both by those who have used more traditional methods and also by those who know genetics but are new to circuits.

This review helps both groups to bridge gaps that they might have in practical knowledge of one or the other field. The review discusses specific strategies for using the new tools, when they are most appropriate to use, and their advantages and disadvantages relative to each other and to more traditional methods.

 Would you summarize the significance of your paper in layman's terms?

This review provides a resource for those who are interested in learning about new genetic tools that are available to the neuroscience community and how they can be used.

 Where do you see your research leading in the future?

The authors of this review have all contributed to the development of new genetic tools for the study of neural circuits and they will continue to both develop and use such methods.

Edward M. Callaway
Professor
Systems Neurobiology Laboratories
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
La Jolla, CA, USA
Web

KEYWORDS: CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM; GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEINS; DROSOPHILA MUSHROOM BODY; SITE-SPECIFIC RECOMBINATION; PRIMARY VISUAL-CORTEX; RETROGRADE TRANSSYNAPTIC TRANSFER; NEMATODE CAENORHABDITIS-ELEGANS; SINGLE-CELL ELECTROPORATION; LIGHT-INDUCED ACTIVATION; CALCIUM-SENSITIVE DYES.