CHLOK: a chemigenetic multicolor labeling system to visualize neuronal birthdate and circuit integration.

ABSTRACT: Understanding how neurons integrate into developing circuits and contribute to functional activity is essential for decoding brain development and plasticity. However, current methods to study neuronal integration often suffer from low throughput, limited spatiotemporal resolution, or invasive procedures that hinder in vivo functional analysis. To overcome these challenges, we present a birthdate-labeling strategy, named CHLOK, based on HaloTag technology and a broad palette of fluorescent synthetic dyes. This approach enables precise multicolor labeling of neurons according to their maturation stage and allows flexible integration into functional assays through compatibility with calcium imaging and optogenetics. We validated CHLOK by mapping birthdate-resolved neuronal activity in

SUBMITTER: Faini G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12265168 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature