Genetic Tracing of Progenitors from Embryo to Postnatal Brain.

Brain development is an extraordinarily intricate process originating from neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Ongoing research emphasizes the vast diversity within NPC populations. To contribute to unraveling this complexity, the cutting-edge approach known as StarTrack enables the tracing of NPCs from their embryonic or postnatal origins to adulthood, offering profound insight into NPC diversity. By tagging NPCs and their progeny with heritable "color codes," StarTrack provides researchers with invaluable tools to unravel the complexities of brain development. This technique comprises two key components: a transposase and integrable StarTrack plasmids that can be customized to specific research goals, facilitating the targeting of particular progenitor types or the exploration of distinct lineages in their progeny. Additionally, this genetic tool can be utilized both in vitro and in vivo. In vivo labeling involves in utero electroporation of StarTrack plasmids, enabling the exploration of temporal and spatial diversity of progenitors. By integrating StarTrack with other methodologies, such as transcriptomics, cell cultures, electrophysiology, and immunostaining, among others, researchers can decipher essential aspects of progenitors, including their cell progeny, potential, dynamics, and molecular profiles. Overall, StarTrack revolutionizes our understanding of neurodevelopment by unveiling the NPCs' heterogeneity and the rich diversity of their progeny.