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Leong LM, Storace DA. Imaging different cell populations in the mouse olfactory bulb using the genetically encoded voltage indicator ArcLight. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:033402. [PMID: 38288247 PMCID: PMC10823906 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.3.033402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) are protein-based optical sensors that allow for measurements from genetically defined populations of neurons. Although in vivo imaging in the mammalian brain with early generation GEVIs was difficult due to poor membrane expression and low signal-to-noise ratio, newer and more sensitive GEVIs have begun to make them useful for answering fundamental questions in neuroscience. We discuss principles of imaging using GEVIs and genetically encoded calcium indicators, both useful tools for in vivo imaging of neuronal activity, and review some of the recent mechanistic advances that have led to GEVI improvements. We provide an overview of the mouse olfactory bulb (OB) and discuss recent studies using the GEVI ArcLight to study different cell types within the bulb using both widefield and two-photon microscopy. Specific emphasis is placed on using GEVIs to begin to study the principles of concentration coding in the OB, how to interpret the optical signals from population measurements in the in vivo brain, and future developments that will push the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Min Leong
- Florida State University, Department of Biological Science, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
| | - Douglas A. Storace
- Florida State University, Department of Biological Science, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
- Florida State University, Program in Neuroscience, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
- Florida State University, Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
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2
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Daria VR, Castañares ML, Bachor HA. Spatio-temporal parameters for optical probing of neuronal activity. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:13-33. [PMID: 33747244 PMCID: PMC7930150 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00780-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The challenge to understand the complex neuronal circuit functions in the mammalian brain has brought about a revolution in light-based neurotechnologies and optogenetic tools. However, while recent seminal works have shown excellent insights on the processing of basic functions such as sensory perception, memory, and navigation, understanding more complex brain functions is still unattainable with current technologies. We are just scratching the surface, both literally and figuratively. Yet, the path towards fully understanding the brain is not totally uncertain. Recent rapid technological advancements have allowed us to analyze the processing of signals within dendritic arborizations of single neurons and within neuronal circuits. Understanding the circuit dynamics in the brain requires a good appreciation of the spatial and temporal properties of neuronal activity. Here, we assess the spatio-temporal parameters of neuronal responses and match them with suitable light-based neurotechnologies as well as photochemical and optogenetic tools. We focus on the spatial range that includes dendrites and certain brain regions (e.g., cortex and hippocampus) that constitute neuronal circuits. We also review some temporal characteristics of some proteins and ion channels responsible for certain neuronal functions. With the aid of the photochemical and optogenetic markers, we can use light to visualize the circuit dynamics of a functioning brain. The challenge to understand how the brain works continue to excite scientists as research questions begin to link macroscopic and microscopic units of brain circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent R. Daria
- Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Hans-A. Bachor
- Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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3
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Quicke P, Howe CL, Song P, Jadan HV, Song C, Knöpfel T, Neil M, Dragotti PL, Schultz SR, Foust AJ. Subcellular resolution three-dimensional light-field imaging with genetically encoded voltage indicators. NEUROPHOTONICS 2020; 7:035006. [PMID: 32904628 PMCID: PMC7456658 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.7.3.035006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Light-field microscopy (LFM) enables high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and light efficient volume imaging at fast frame rates. Voltage imaging with genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) stands to particularly benefit from LFM's volumetric imaging capability due to high required sampling rates and limited probe brightness and functional sensitivity. Aim: We demonstrate subcellular resolution GEVI light-field imaging in acute mouse brain slices resolving dendritic voltage signals in three spatial dimensions. Approach: We imaged action potential-induced fluorescence transients in mouse brain slices sparsely expressing the GEVI VSFP-Butterfly 1.2 in wide-field microscopy (WFM) and LFM modes. We compared functional signal SNR and localization between different LFM reconstruction approaches and between LFM and WFM. Results: LFM enabled three-dimensional (3-D) localization of action potential-induced fluorescence transients in neuronal somata and dendrites. Nonregularized deconvolution decreased SNR with increased iteration number compared to synthetic refocusing but increased axial and lateral signal localization. SNR was unaffected for LFM compared to WFM. Conclusions: LFM enables 3-D localization of fluorescence transients, therefore eliminating the need for structures to lie in a single focal plane. These results demonstrate LFM's potential for studying dendritic integration and action potential propagation in three spatial dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Quicke
- Imperial College London, Department of Bioengineering, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, Centre for Neurotechnology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carmel L. Howe
- Imperial College London, Department of Bioengineering, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, Centre for Neurotechnology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pingfan Song
- Imperial College London, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Herman V. Jadan
- Imperial College London, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chenchen Song
- Imperial College London, Department of Brain Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Imperial College London, Centre for Neurotechnology, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, Department of Brain Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Neil
- Imperial College London, Centre for Neurotechnology, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, Department of Physics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pier L. Dragotti
- Imperial College London, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon R. Schultz
- Imperial College London, Department of Bioengineering, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, Centre for Neurotechnology, London, United Kingdom
- Address all correspondence to Simon R. Schultz, E-mail: ; Amanda J. Foust, E-mail:
| | - Amanda J. Foust
- Imperial College London, Department of Bioengineering, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, Centre for Neurotechnology, London, United Kingdom
- Address all correspondence to Simon R. Schultz, E-mail: ; Amanda J. Foust, E-mail:
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4
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Quicke P, Song C, McKimm EJ, Milosevic MM, Howe CL, Neil M, Schultz SR, Antic SD, Foust AJ, Knöpfel T. Corrigendum: Single-Neuron Level One-Photon Voltage Imaging With Sparsely Targeted Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:202. [PMID: 31133817 PMCID: PMC6515987 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Quicke
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chenchen Song
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric J McKimm
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Milena M Milosevic
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Carmel L Howe
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Neil
- Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon R Schultz
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Srdjan D Antic
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Amanda J Foust
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Quicke P, Song C, McKimm EJ, Milosevic MM, Howe CL, Neil M, Schultz SR, Antic SD, Foust AJ, Knöpfel T. Single-Neuron Level One-Photon Voltage Imaging With Sparsely Targeted Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:39. [PMID: 30890919 PMCID: PMC6413708 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage imaging of many neurons simultaneously at single-cell resolution is hampered by the difficulty of detecting small voltage signals from overlapping neuronal processes in neural tissue. Recent advances in genetically encoded voltage indicator (GEVI) imaging have shown single-cell resolution optical voltage recordings in intact tissue through imaging naturally sparse cell classes, sparse viral expression, soma restricted expression, advanced optical systems, or a combination of these. Widespread sparse and strong transgenic GEVI expression would enable straightforward optical access to a densely occurring cell type, such as cortical pyramidal cells. Here we demonstrate that a recently described sparse transgenic expression strategy can enable single-cell resolution voltage imaging of cortical pyramidal cells in intact brain tissue without restricting expression to the soma. We also quantify the functional crosstalk in brain tissue and discuss optimal imaging rates to inform future GEVI experimental design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Quicke
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chenchen Song
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric J. McKimm
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Milena M. Milosevic
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Carmel L. Howe
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Neil
- Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon R. Schultz
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Srdjan D. Antic
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Amanda J. Foust
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Chamberland S, Yang HH, Pan MM, Evans SW, Guan S, Chavarha M, Yang Y, Salesse C, Wu H, Wu JC, Clandinin TR, Toth K, Lin MZ, St-Pierre F. Fast two-photon imaging of subcellular voltage dynamics in neuronal tissue with genetically encoded indicators. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28749338 PMCID: PMC5584994 DOI: 10.7554/elife.25690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring voltage dynamics in defined neurons deep in the brain is critical for unraveling the function of neuronal circuits but is challenging due to the limited performance of existing tools. In particular, while genetically encoded voltage indicators have shown promise for optical detection of voltage transients, many indicators exhibit low sensitivity when imaged under two-photon illumination. Previous studies thus fell short of visualizing voltage dynamics in individual neurons in single trials. Here, we report ASAP2s, a novel voltage indicator with improved sensitivity. By imaging ASAP2s using random-access multi-photon microscopy, we demonstrate robust single-trial detection of action potentials in organotypic slice cultures. We also show that ASAP2s enables two-photon imaging of graded potentials in organotypic slice cultures and in Drosophila. These results demonstrate that the combination of ASAP2s and fast two-photon imaging methods enables detection of neural electrical activity with subcellular spatial resolution and millisecond-timescale precision. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25690.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Chamberland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Quebec Mental Health Institute, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Helen H Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Michael M Pan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Stephen W Evans
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Sihui Guan
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Mariya Chavarha
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Charleen Salesse
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Quebec Mental Health Institute, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Haodi Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Joseph C Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Thomas R Clandinin
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Katalin Toth
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Quebec Mental Health Institute, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Michael Z Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - François St-Pierre
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
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7
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Song C, Barnes S, Knöpfel T. Mammalian cortical voltage imaging using genetically encoded voltage indicators: a review honoring professor Amiram Grinvald. NEUROPHOTONICS 2017; 4:031214. [PMID: 28491906 PMCID: PMC5416838 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.4.3.031214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The pioneering work of Amiram Grinvald established voltage-sensitive dye imaging (VSDI) in the mammalian cortex in the 1980s and inspired decades of cortical voltage imaging and the associated technological developments. The recent conception and development of genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) overcome many of the limitations of classical VSDI, and open experimental approaches that provide accruing support for orchestrated neuronal circuit dynamics of spatially distributed neuronal circuit underlying behaviors. We will review recent achievements using GEVIs to optically monitor the cortical activity in mammalian brains in vivo and provide a perspective for potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Song
- Imperial College London, Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Barnes
- Imperial College London, Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, Division of Brain Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Imperial College London, Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, Division of Brain Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, Centre for Neurotechnology, South Kensington, London, United Kingdom
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8
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Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators: Opportunities and Challenges. J Neurosci 2016; 36:9977-89. [PMID: 27683896 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1095-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED A longstanding goal in neuroscience is to understand how spatiotemporal patterns of neuronal electrical activity underlie brain function, from sensory representations to decision making. An emerging technology for monitoring electrical dynamics, voltage imaging using genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs), couples the power of genetics with the advantages of light. Here, we review the properties that determine indicator performance and applicability, discussing both recent progress and technical limitations. We then consider GEVI applications, highlighting studies that have already deployed GEVIs for biological discovery. We also examine which classes of biological questions GEVIs are primed to address and which ones are beyond their current capabilities. As GEVIs are further developed, we anticipate that they will become more broadly used by the neuroscience community to eavesdrop on brain activity with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Genetically encoded voltage indicators are engineered light-emitting protein sensors that typically report neuronal voltage dynamics as changes in brightness. In this review, we systematically discuss the current state of this emerging method, considering both its advantages and limitations for imaging neural activity. We also present recent applications of this technology and discuss what is feasible now and what we anticipate will become possible with future indicator development. This review will inform neuroscientists of recent progress in the field and help potential users critically evaluate the suitability of genetically encoded voltage indicator imaging to answer their specific biological questions.
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9
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St-Pierre F, Chavarha M, Lin MZ. Designs and sensing mechanisms of genetically encoded fluorescent voltage indicators. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2015; 27:31-8. [PMID: 26079047 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurons tightly regulate the electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane with millivolt accuracy and millisecond resolution. Membrane voltage dynamics underlie the generation of an impulse, the transduction of impulses from one end of the neuron to the other, and the release of neurotransmitters. Imaging these voltage dynamics in multiple neurons simultaneously is therefore crucial for understanding how neurons function together within circuits in intact brains. Genetically encoded fluorescent voltage sensors have long been desired to report voltage in defined subsets of neurons with optical readout. In this review, we discuss the diverse strategies used to design and optimize protein-based voltage sensors, and highlight the chemical mechanisms by which different classes of reporters sense voltage. To guide neuroscientists in choosing an appropriate sensor for their applications, we also describe operating trade-offs of each class of voltage indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- François St-Pierre
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mariya Chavarha
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael Z Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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10
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Monitoring brain activity with protein voltage and calcium sensors. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10212. [PMID: 25970202 PMCID: PMC4429559 DOI: 10.1038/srep10212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the roles of different cell types in the behaviors generated by neural circuits requires protein indicators that report neural activity with high spatio-temporal resolution. Genetically encoded fluorescent protein (FP) voltage sensors, which optically report the electrical activity in distinct cell populations, are, in principle, ideal candidates. Here we demonstrate that the FP voltage sensor ArcLight reports odor-evoked electrical activity in the in vivo mammalian olfactory bulb in single trials using both wide-field and 2-photon imaging. ArcLight resolved fast odorant-responses in individual glomeruli, and distributed odorant responses across a population of glomeruli. Comparisons between ArcLight and the protein calcium sensors GCaMP3 and GCaMP6f revealed that ArcLight had faster temporal kinetics that more clearly distinguished activity elicited by individual odorant inspirations. In contrast, the signals from both GCaMPs were a saturating integral of activity that returned relatively slowly to the baseline. ArcLight enables optical electrophysiology of mammalian neuronal population activity in vivo.
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11
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Broussard GJ, Liang R, Tian L. Monitoring activity in neural circuits with genetically encoded indicators. Front Mol Neurosci 2014; 7:97. [PMID: 25538558 PMCID: PMC4256991 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2014.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in genetically encoded indicators of neural activity (GINAs) have greatly advanced the field of systems neuroscience. As they are encoded by DNA, GINAs can be targeted to genetically defined cellular populations. Combined with fluorescence microscopy, most notably multi-photon imaging, GINAs allow chronic simultaneous optical recordings from large populations of neurons or glial cells in awake, behaving mammals, particularly rodents. This large-scale recording of neural activity at multiple temporal and spatial scales has greatly advanced our understanding of the dynamics of neural circuitry underlying behavior—a critical first step toward understanding the complexities of brain function, such as sensorimotor integration and learning. Here, we summarize the recent development and applications of the major classes of GINAs. In particular, we take an in-depth look at the design of available GINA families with a particular focus on genetically encoded calcium indicators (GCaMPs), sensors probing synaptic activity, and genetically encoded voltage indicators. Using the family of the GCaMP as an example, we review established sensor optimization pipelines. We also discuss practical considerations for end users of GINAs about experimental methods including approaches for gene delivery, imaging system requirements, and data analysis techniques. With the growing toolbox of GINAs and with new microscopy techniques pushing beyond their current limits, the age of light can finally achieve the goal of broad and dense sampling of neuronal activity across time and brain structures to obtain a dynamic picture of brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard J Broussard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis Davis, CA, USA ; Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of California Davis Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ruqiang Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis Davis, CA, USA ; Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of California Davis Davis, CA, USA
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12
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13
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Two-photon voltage imaging using a genetically encoded voltage indicator. Sci Rep 2014; 3:2231. [PMID: 23868559 PMCID: PMC3715760 DOI: 10.1038/srep02231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-sensitive fluorescent proteins (VSFPs) are a family of genetically-encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) reporting membrane voltage fluctuation from genetically-targeted cells in cell cultures to whole brains in awake mice as demonstrated earlier using 1-photon (1P) fluorescence excitation imaging. However, in-vivo 1P imaging captures optical signals only from superficial layers and does not optically resolve single neurons. Two-photon excitation (2P) imaging, on the other hand, has not yet been convincingly applied to GEVI experiments. Here we show that 2P imaging of VSFP Butterfly 1.2 expresssing pyramidal neurons in layer 2/3 reports optical membrane voltage in brain slices consistent with 1P imaging but with a 2-3 larger ΔR/R value. 2P imaging of mouse cortex in-vivo achieved cellular resolution throughout layer 2/3. In somatosensory cortex we recorded sensory responses to single whisker deflections in anesthetized mice at full frame video rate. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of GEVI-based functional 2P imaging in mouse cortex.
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14
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Probing neuronal activities with genetically encoded optical indicators: from a historical to a forward-looking perspective. Pflugers Arch 2012; 465:361-71. [PMID: 23271451 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-012-1202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Optical imaging has a long history in physiology and in neurophysiology in particular. Over the past 15 years or so, new methodologies have emerged that combine genetic engineering with light-based imaging methods. This merger has resulted in a tool box of genetically encoded optical indicators that enable nondestructive and long-lasting monitoring of neuronal activities at the cellular, circuit, and system level. This review describes the historical roots and fundamental concepts underlying these new approaches, evaluates current progress in this field, and concludes with a forward-looking perspective on current work and potential future developments in this field.
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