Genetic manipulation of adult hippocampal neural progenitor cells is a useful technique for exploring gene

function through gain of function and loss of function mutations or RNAi. Furthermore, the introduction

of new genes can “re-program” progenitor cell behavior to force a desired lineage in signaling environments

that are not normally permissive for that cell fate. Additionally, by using a systems biology approach,

neural progenitors can even be taught new behaviors and responses to signaling. In this chapter, we

describe protocols for retroviral and lentiviral packaging and transduction of progenitors. These

techniques are important for studying the role of various genes in progenitor fate choice.