Virally Encoded Connectivity Transgenic Overlay RNA sequencing (VECTORseq) defines projection neurons involved in sensorimotor integration

Purpose: Establish a high-throughput method to transcriptionally define projection neurons, VECTORseq, that reimagines transgenes expressed by widely used retrogradely infecting viruses as multiplexed RNA barcodes that are detected in single-cell sequencing. Methods: mRNA profiles of adult mouse brains Conclusions: Retrograde viruses express mRNA at levels detectable in single-cell sequencing. Different transgenes can be multiplexed in a single sequencing run. VECTORseq identifies both cortical and subcortical projection neurons. VECTORseq defined new superior colliculus and zona incerta projection populations. Established a high-throughput method to transcriptionally define projection neurons, VECTORseq, that reimagines transgenes expressed by widely used retrogradely infecting viruses as multiplexed RNA barcodes that are detected in single-cell sequencing. Overall design: single cell seq datasets of adult mouse brain regions (V1, SC, Ventral Midbrain)