Tree shrews (Tupaia spp.) have been used in neuroscience research since the 1960s due to their evolutionary proximity to primates. The use and interest in this animal model have recently increased, in part due to the adaptation of modern neuroscience tools in this species. These tools include quantitative behavioral assays, calcium imaging, optogenetics and transgenics. To facilitate the exchange and development of these new technologies and associated research findings, we organized the inaugural "Tree Shrew Users Meeting" which was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we review this meeting and discuss the history of tree shrews as an animal model in neuroscience research and summarize the current themes being investigated using this animal, as well as future directions.
树鼩 (Tupaia spp.) 自 1960 年代以来一直用于神经科学研究，因为它们在进化上与灵长类动物接近。最近对该动物模型的使用和兴趣有所增加，部分原因是现代神经科学工具在该物种中的应用，这些工具包括定量行为分析、钙成像、光遗传学和转基因。为了促进这些新技术和相关研究成果的交流和发展，我们组织了首届“树鼩用户会议”，该会议因 COVID-19 大流行而在线举行。在这里，我们回顾了这次会议并讨论了树鼩作为神经科学研究动物模型的历史，并总结了当前正在使用这种动物进行研究的主题以及未来的方向。.
Keywords: Animal models; Neuroscience; Tree Shrew Users Meeting; Tupaia.