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Song C, Matlashov ME, Shcherbakova DM, Antic SD, Verkhusha VV, Knöpfel T. Characterization of two near-infrared genetically encoded voltage indicators. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:024201. [PMID: 38090225 PMCID: PMC10712888 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.2.024201] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Significance Efforts starting more than 20 years ago led to increasingly well performing genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) for optical imaging at wavelengths < 600 nm . Although optical imaging in the > 600 nm wavelength range has many advantages over shorter wavelength approaches for mesoscopic in vivo monitoring of neuronal activity in the mammalian brain, the availability and evaluation of well performing near-infrared GEVIs are still limited. Aim Here, we characterized two recent near-infrared GEVIs, Archon1 and nirButterfly, to support interested tool users in selecting a suitable near-infrared GEVI for their specific research question requirements. Approach We characterized side-by-side the brightness, sensitivity, and kinetics of both near-infrared GEVIs in a setting focused on population imaging. Results We found that nirButterfly shows seven-fold higher brightness than Archon1 under the same conditions and faster kinetics than Archon1 for population imaging without cellular resolution. But Archon1 showed larger signals than nirButterfly. Conclusions Neither GEVI characterized here surpasses in all three key parameters (brightness, kinetics, and sensitivity), so there is no unequivocal preference for one of the two. Our side-by-side characterization presented here provides new information for future in vitro and ex vivo experimental designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Song
- Imperial College, Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, London, United Kingdom
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Mikhail E. Matlashov
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Department of Genetics, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Daria M. Shcherbakova
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Department of Genetics, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Srdjan D. Antic
- Institute for Systems Genomics, UConn Health, Department of Neuroscience, Farmington, Connecticut, United States
| | - Vladislav V. Verkhusha
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Department of Genetics, Bronx, New York, United States
- University of Helsinki, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Imperial College, Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, London, United Kingdom
- Hong Kong Baptist University, Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Hong Kong, China
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2
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Silic MR, Zhang G. Bioelectricity in Developmental Patterning and Size Control: Evidence and Genetically Encoded Tools in the Zebrafish Model. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081148. [PMID: 37190057 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental patterning is essential for regulating cellular events such as axial patterning, segmentation, tissue formation, and organ size determination during embryogenesis. Understanding the patterning mechanisms remains a central challenge and fundamental interest in developmental biology. Ion-channel-regulated bioelectric signals have emerged as a player of the patterning mechanism, which may interact with morphogens. Evidence from multiple model organisms reveals the roles of bioelectricity in embryonic development, regeneration, and cancers. The Zebrafish model is the second most used vertebrate model, next to the mouse model. The zebrafish model has great potential for elucidating the functions of bioelectricity due to many advantages such as external development, transparent early embryogenesis, and tractable genetics. Here, we review genetic evidence from zebrafish mutants with fin-size and pigment changes related to ion channels and bioelectricity. In addition, we review the cell membrane voltage reporting and chemogenetic tools that have already been used or have great potential to be implemented in zebrafish models. Finally, new perspectives and opportunities for bioelectricity research with zebrafish are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Silic
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - GuangJun Zhang
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases (PI4D), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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3
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Complexity of cortical wave patterns of the wake mouse cortex. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1434. [PMID: 36918572 PMCID: PMC10015011 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37088-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Rich spatiotemporal dynamics of cortical activity, including complex and diverse wave patterns, have been identified during unconscious and conscious brain states. Yet, how these activity patterns emerge across different levels of wakefulness remain unclear. Here we study the evolution of wave patterns utilizing data from high spatiotemporal resolution optical voltage imaging of mice transitioning from barbiturate-induced anesthesia to wakefulness (N = 5) and awake mice (N = 4). We find that, as the brain transitions into wakefulness, there is a reduction in hemisphere-scale voltage waves, and an increase in local wave events and complexity. A neural mass model recapitulates the essential cellular-level features and shows how the dynamical competition between global and local spatiotemporal patterns and long-range connections can explain the experimental observations. These mechanisms possibly endow the awake cortex with enhanced integrative processing capabilities.
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4
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Pedrosa R, Song C, Knöpfel T, Battaglia F. Combining Cortical Voltage Imaging and Hippocampal Electrophysiology for Investigating Global, Multi-Timescale Activity Interactions in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126814. [PMID: 35743257 PMCID: PMC9224488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A new generation of optogenetic tools for analyzing neural activity has been contributing to the elucidation of classical open questions in neuroscience. Specifically, voltage imaging technologies using enhanced genetically encoded voltage indicators have been increasingly used to observe the dynamics of large circuits at the mesoscale. Here, we describe how to combine cortical wide-field voltage imaging with hippocampal electrophysiology in awake, behaving mice. Furthermore, we highlight how this method can be useful for different possible investigations, using the characterization of hippocampal–neocortical interactions as a case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pedrosa
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6525AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: (R.P.); (T.K.)
| | - Chenchen Song
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK;
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK;
- Correspondence: (R.P.); (T.K.)
| | - Francesco Battaglia
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6525AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
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5
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Swanson JL, Chin PS, Romero JM, Srivastava S, Ortiz-Guzman J, Hunt PJ, Arenkiel BR. Advancements in the Quest to Map, Monitor, and Manipulate Neural Circuitry. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:886302. [PMID: 35719420 PMCID: PMC9204427 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.886302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural circuits and the cells that comprise them represent the functional units of the brain. Circuits relay and process sensory information, maintain homeostasis, drive behaviors, and facilitate cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Creating a functionally-precise map of the mammalian brain requires anatomically tracing neural circuits, monitoring their activity patterns, and manipulating their activity to infer function. Advancements in cell-type-specific genetic tools allow interrogation of neural circuits with increased precision. This review provides a broad overview of recombination-based and activity-driven genetic targeting approaches, contemporary viral tracing strategies, electrophysiological recording methods, newly developed calcium, and voltage indicators, and neurotransmitter/neuropeptide biosensors currently being used to investigate circuit architecture and function. Finally, it discusses methods for acute or chronic manipulation of neural activity, including genetically-targeted cellular ablation, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and over-expression of ion channels. With this ever-evolving genetic toolbox, scientists are continuing to probe neural circuits with increasing resolution, elucidating the structure and function of the incredibly complex mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Swanson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Pey-Shyuan Chin
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Juan M. Romero
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Snigdha Srivastava
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Joshua Ortiz-Guzman
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Patrick J. Hunt
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Benjamin R. Arenkiel
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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6
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Pradhan S, Hendricks M. Observing and Quantifying Fluorescent Reporters. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2468:73-87. [PMID: 35320561 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2181-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent reporters take advantage of C. elegans' transparency to allow non-invasive, in vivo observation, and recording of physiological processes in intact animals. Here, we discuss the basic microscope components required to observe, image, and measure fluorescent proteins in live animals for students and researchers who work with C. elegans but have limited experience with fluorescence imaging and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeparna Pradhan
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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7
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Zhu MH, Jogdand AH, Jang J, Nagella SC, Das B, Milosevic MM, Yan R, Antic SD. Evoked Cortical Depolarizations Before and After the Amyloid Plaque Accumulation: Voltage Imaging Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 88:1443-1458. [PMID: 35811528 PMCID: PMC10493004 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Alzheimer's disease (AD), synaptic dysfunction is thought to occur many years before the onset of cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE Detecting synaptic dysfunctions at the earliest stage of AD would be desirable in both clinic and research settings. METHODS Population voltage imaging allows monitoring of synaptic depolarizations, to which calcium imaging is relatively blind. We developed an AD mouse model (APPswe/PS1dE9 background) expressing a genetically-encoded voltage indicator (GEVI) in the neocortex. GEVI was restricted to the excitatory pyramidal neurons (unlike the voltage-sensitive dyes). RESULTS Expression of GEVI did not disrupt AD model formation of amyloid plaques. GEVI expression was stable in both AD model mice and Control (healthy) littermates (CTRL) over 247 days postnatal. Brain slices were stimulated in layer 2/3. From the evoked voltage waveforms, we extracted several parameters for comparison AD versus CTRL. Some parameters (e.g., temporal summation, refractoriness, and peak latency) were weak predictors, while other parameters (e.g., signal amplitude, attenuation with distance, and duration (half-width) of the evoked transients) were stronger predictors of the AD condition. Around postnatal age 150 days (P150) and especially at P200, synaptically-evoked voltage signals in brain slices were weaker in the AD groups versus the age- and sex-matched CTRL groups, suggesting an AD-mediated synaptic weakening that coincides with the accumulation of plaques. However, at the youngest ages examined, P40 and P80, the AD groups showed differentially stronger signals, suggesting "hyperexcitability" prior to the formation of plaques. CONCLUSION Our results indicate bidirectional alterations in cortical physiology in AD model mice; occurring both prior (P40-80), and after (P150-200) the amyloid deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hong Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Aditi H Jogdand
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Jinyoung Jang
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Sai C Nagella
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Brati Das
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Milena M Milosevic
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Riqiang Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Srdjan D Antic
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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8
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Baillie JS, Stoyek MR, Quinn TA. Seeing the Light: The Use of Zebrafish for Optogenetic Studies of the Heart. Front Physiol 2021; 12:748570. [PMID: 35002753 PMCID: PMC8733579 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.748570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics, involving the optical measurement and manipulation of cellular activity with genetically encoded light-sensitive proteins ("reporters" and "actuators"), is a powerful experimental technique for probing (patho-)physiological function. Originally developed as a tool for neuroscience, it has now been utilized in cardiac research for over a decade, providing novel insight into the electrophysiology of the healthy and diseased heart. Among the pioneering cardiac applications of optogenetic actuators were studies in zebrafish, which first demonstrated their use for precise spatiotemporal control of cardiac activity. Zebrafish were also adopted early as an experimental model for the use of optogenetic reporters, including genetically encoded voltage- and calcium-sensitive indicators. Beyond optogenetic studies, zebrafish are becoming an increasingly important tool for cardiac research, as they combine many of the advantages of integrative and reduced experimental models. The zebrafish has striking genetic and functional cardiac similarities to that of mammals, its genome is fully sequenced and can be modified using standard techniques, it has been used to recapitulate a variety of cardiac diseases, and it allows for high-throughput investigations. For optogenetic studies, zebrafish provide additional advantages, as the whole zebrafish heart can be visualized and interrogated in vivo in the transparent, externally developing embryo, and the relatively small adult heart allows for in situ cell-specific observation and control not possible in mammals. With the advent of increasingly sophisticated fluorescence imaging approaches and methods for spatially-resolved light stimulation in the heart, the zebrafish represents an experimental model with unrealized potential for cardiac optogenetic studies. In this review we summarize the use of zebrafish for optogenetic investigations in the heart, highlighting their specific advantages and limitations, and their potential for future cardiac research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S. Baillie
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Matthew R. Stoyek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - T. Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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9
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Jang J, Zhu MH, Jogdand AH, Antic SD. Studying Synaptically Evoked Cortical Responses ex vivo With Combination of a Single Neuron Recording (Whole-Cell) and Population Voltage Imaging (Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicator). Front Neurosci 2021; 15:773883. [PMID: 34776858 PMCID: PMC8579014 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.773883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In a typical electrophysiology experiment, synaptic stimulus is delivered in a cortical layer (1-6) and neuronal responses are recorded intracellularly in individual neurons. We recreated this standard electrophysiological paradigm in brain slices of mice expressing genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs). This allowed us to monitor membrane voltages in the target pyramidal neurons (whole-cell), and population voltages in the surrounding neuropil (optical imaging), simultaneously. Pyramidal neurons have complex dendritic trees that span multiple cortical layers. GEVI imaging revealed areas of the brain slice that experienced the strongest depolarization on a specific synaptic stimulus (location and intensity), thus identifying cortical layers that contribute the most afferent activity to the recorded somatic voltage waveform. By combining whole-cell with GEVI imaging, we obtained a crude distribution of activated synaptic afferents in respect to the dendritic tree of a pyramidal cell. Synaptically evoked voltage waves propagating through the cortical neuropil (dendrites and axons) were not static but rather they changed on a millisecond scale. Voltage imaging can identify areas of brain slices in which the neuropil was in a sustained depolarization (plateau), long after the stimulus onset. Upon a barrage of synaptic inputs, a cortical pyramidal neuron experiences: (a) weak temporal summation of evoked voltage transients (EPSPs); and (b) afterhyperpolarization (intracellular recording), which are not represented in the GEVI population imaging signal (optical signal). To explain these findings [(a) and (b)], we used four voltage indicators (ArcLightD, chi-VSFP, Archon1, and di-4-ANEPPS) with different optical sensitivity, optical response speed, labeling strategy, and a target neuron type. All four imaging methods were used in an identical experimental paradigm: layer 1 (L1) synaptic stimulation, to allow direct comparisons. The population voltage signal showed paired-pulse facilitation, caused in part by additional recruitment of new neurons and dendrites. "Synaptic stimulation" delivered in L1 depolarizes almost an entire cortical column to some degree.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Srdjan D. Antic
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
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10
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Monitoring of compound resting membrane potentials of cell cultures with ratiometric genetically encoded voltage indicators. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1164. [PMID: 34620975 PMCID: PMC8497494 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02675-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular resting membrane potential (Vm) not only determines electrical responsiveness of excitable cells but also plays pivotal roles in non-excitable cells, mediating membrane transport, cell-cycle progression, and tumorigenesis. Studying these processes requires estimation of Vm, ideally over long periods of time. Here, we introduce two ratiometric genetically encoded Vm indicators, rArc and rASAP, and imaging and analysis procedures for measuring differences in average resting Vm between cell groups. We investigated the influence of ectopic expression of K+ channels and their disease-causing mutations involved in Andersen-Tawil (Kir2.1) and Temple-Baraitser (KV10.1) syndrome on median resting Vm of HEK293T cells. Real-time long-term monitoring of Vm changes allowed to estimate a 40–50 min latency from induction of transcription to functional Kir2.1 channels in HEK293T cells. The presented methodology is readily implemented with standard fluorescence microscopes and offers deeper insights into the role of the resting Vm in health and disease. Rühl et al. report the generation of ratiometric genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) and establish that they can be used in high-throughput automated imaging to measure compound membrane potential (Vm) in mammalian cells. This method is implementable with standard fluorescence microscopes and has the potential to offer insights into the role of the resting Vm in health and disease.
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11
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Liang Y, Song C, Liu M, Gong P, Zhou C, Knöpfel T. Cortex-Wide Dynamics of Intrinsic Electrical Activities: Propagating Waves and Their Interactions. J Neurosci 2021; 41:3665-3678. [PMID: 33727333 PMCID: PMC8055070 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0623-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical circuits generate patterned activities that reflect intrinsic brain dynamics that lay the foundation for any, including stimuli-evoked, cognition and behavior. However, the spatiotemporal organization properties and principles of this intrinsic activity have only been partially elucidated because of previous poor resolution of experimental data and limited analysis methods. Here we investigated continuous wave patterns in the 0.5-4 Hz (delta band) frequency range on data from high-spatiotemporal resolution optical voltage imaging of the upper cortical layers in anesthetized mice. Waves of population activities propagate in heterogeneous directions to coordinate neuronal activities between different brain regions. The complex wave patterns show characteristics of both stereotypy and variety. The location and type of wave patterns determine the dynamical evolution when different waves interact with each other. Local wave patterns of source, sink, or saddle emerge at preferred spatial locations. Specifically, "source" patterns are predominantly found in cortical regions with low multimodal hierarchy such as the primary somatosensory cortex. Our findings reveal principles that govern the spatiotemporal dynamics of spontaneous cortical activities and associate them with the structural architecture across the cortex.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Intrinsic brain activities, as opposed to external stimulus-evoked responses, have increasingly gained attention, but it remains unclear how these intrinsic activities are spatiotemporally organized at the cortex-wide scale. By taking advantage of the high spatiotemporal resolution of optical voltage imaging, we identified five wave pattern types, and revealed the organization properties of different wave patterns and the dynamical mechanisms when they interact with each other. Moreover, we found a relationship between the emergence probability of local wave patterns and the multimodal structure hierarchy across cortical areas. Our findings reveal the principles of spatiotemporal wave dynamics of spontaneous activities and associate them with the underlying hierarchical architecture across the cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Liang
- Department of Physics, Centre for Nonlinear Studies and Beijing-Hong Kong-Singapore Joint Centre for Nonlinear and Complex Systems (Hong Kong), Institute of Computational and Theoretical Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- The HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenchen Song
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Mianxin Liu
- Department of Physics, Centre for Nonlinear Studies and Beijing-Hong Kong-Singapore Joint Centre for Nonlinear and Complex Systems (Hong Kong), Institute of Computational and Theoretical Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
| | - Pulin Gong
- School of Physics, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, University of Sydney, Sydney 2001, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Changsong Zhou
- Department of Physics, Centre for Nonlinear Studies and Beijing-Hong Kong-Singapore Joint Centre for Nonlinear and Complex Systems (Hong Kong), Institute of Computational and Theoretical Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- The HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, People's Republic of China
- Department of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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12
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Population imaging discrepancies between a genetically-encoded calcium indicator (GECI) versus a genetically-encoded voltage indicator (GEVI). Sci Rep 2021; 11:5295. [PMID: 33674659 PMCID: PMC7935943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84651-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically-encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) are essential for studying brain function, while voltage indicators (GEVIs) are slowly permeating neuroscience. Fundamentally, GECI and GEVI measure different things, but both are advertised as reporters of “neuronal activity”. We quantified the similarities and differences between calcium and voltage imaging modalities, in the context of population activity (without single-cell resolution) in brain slices. GECI optical signals showed 8–20 times better SNR than GEVI signals, but GECI signals attenuated more with distance from the stimulation site. We show the exact temporal discrepancy between calcium and voltage imaging modalities, and discuss the misleading aspects of GECI imaging. For example, population voltage signals already repolarized to the baseline (~ disappeared), while the GECI signals were still near maximum. The region-to-region propagation latencies, easily captured by GEVI imaging, are blurred in GECI imaging. Temporal summation of GECI signals is highly exaggerated, causing uniform voltage events produced by neuronal populations to appear with highly variable amplitudes in GECI population traces. Relative signal amplitudes in GECI recordings are thus misleading. In simultaneous recordings from multiple sites, the compound EPSP signals in cortical neuropil (population signals) are less distorted by GEVIs than by GECIs.
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Mollinedo-Gajate I, Song C, Knöpfel T. Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1293:209-224. [PMID: 33398815 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic approaches combine the power to allocate optogenetic tools (proteins) to specific cell populations (defined genetically or functionally) and the use of light-based interfaces between biological wetware (cells and tissues) and hardware (controllers and recorders). The optogenetic toolbox contains two main compartments: tools to interfere with cellular processes and tools to monitor cellular events. Among the latter are genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs). This chapter outlines the development, current state of the art and prospects of emerging optical GEVI imaging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chenchen Song
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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14
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Monakhov MV, Matlashov ME, Colavita M, Song C, Shcherbakova DM, Antic SD, Verkhusha VV, Knöpfel T. Screening and Cellular Characterization of Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators Based on Near-Infrared Fluorescent Proteins. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:3523-3531. [PMID: 33063984 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed genetically encoded voltage indicators using a transmembrane voltage-sensing domain and bright near-infrared fluorescent proteins derived from bacterial phytochromes. These new voltage indicators are excited by 640 nm light and emission is measured at 670 nm, allowing imaging in the near-infrared tissue transparency window. The spectral properties of our new indicators permit seamless voltage imaging with simultaneous blue-green light optogenetic actuator activation as well as simultaneous voltage-calcium imaging when paired with green calcium indicators. Iterative optimizations led to a fluorescent probe, here termed nirButterfly, which reliably reports neuronal activities including subthreshold membrane potential depolarization and hyperpolarization as well as spontaneous spiking or electrically- and optogenetically evoked action potentials. This enables largely improved all-optical causal interrogations of physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail V Monakhov
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Mikhail E Matlashov
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Michelangelo Colavita
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, U.K
| | - Chenchen Song
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, U.K
| | - Daria M Shcherbakova
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Srdjan D Antic
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, United States
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, U.K
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15
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Beck C, Zhang D, Gong Y. Enhanced genetically encoded voltage indicators advance their applications in neuroscience. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2019; 12:111-117. [PMID: 32864526 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2019.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Genetically encoded voltage indicators report membrane voltage with high spatiotemporal resolution. Extensive recent efforts to improve the GEVIs' brightness, sensitivity, and kinetics have greatly increased the GEVIs' signal-to-noise performance over ten-fold and lowered their response time to the sub-millisecond regime. Such capabilities have broadened the GEVIs' ability to measure membrane voltage of neural populations at cellular resolution in vitro and in vivo, all at high speeds. The GEVIs' high voltage fidelity and fast response have revealed novel physiological phenomena in multiple neuroscientific applications. Such applications portend future targeted studies of voltage activity that take advantage of the GEVIs' ability to report rapid dynamics from genetically-targeted neural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Beck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Diming Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Yiyang Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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16
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Optical voltage imaging in neurons: moving from technology development to practical tool. Nat Rev Neurosci 2019; 20:719-727. [PMID: 31705060 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0231-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A central goal in neuroscience is to determine how the brain's neuronal circuits generate perception, cognition and emotions and how these lead to appropriate behavioural actions. A methodological platform based on genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) that enables the monitoring of large-scale circuit dynamics has brought us closer to this ambitious goal. This Review provides an update on the current state of the art and the prospects of emerging optical GEVI imaging technologies.
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17
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Assessing spatiotemporal variability of brain spontaneous activity by multiscale entropy and functional connectivity. Neuroimage 2019; 198:198-220. [PMID: 31091474 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain signaling occurs across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, and analysis of brain signal variability and synchrony has attracted recent attention as markers of intelligence, cognitive states, and brain disorders. However, current technologies to measure brain signals in humans have limited resolutions either in space or in time and cannot fully capture spatiotemporal variability, leaving it untested whether temporal variability and spatiotemporal synchrony are valid and reliable proxy of spatiotemporal variability in vivo. Here we used optical voltage imaging in mice under anesthesia and wakefulness to monitor cortical voltage activity at both high spatial and temporal resolutions to investigate functional connectivity (FC, a measure of spatiotemporal synchronization), Multi-Scale Entropy (MSE, a measure of temporal variability), and their relationships to Regional Entropy (RE, a measure of spatiotemporal variability). We observed that across cortical space, MSE pattern can largely explain RE pattern at small and large temporal scales with high positive and negative correlation respectively, while FC pattern strongly negatively associated with RE pattern. The time course of FC and small scale MSE tightly followed that of RE, while large scale MSE was more loosely coupled to RE. fMRI and EEG data simulated by reducing spatiotemporal resolution of the voltage imaging data or considering hemodynamics yielded MSE and FC measures that still contained information about RE based on the high resolution voltage imaging data. This suggested that MSE and FC could still be effective measures to capture spatiotemporal variability under limitation of imaging modalities applicable to human subjects. Our results support the notion that FC and MSE are effective biomarkers for brain states, and provide a promising viewpoint to unify these two principal domains in human brain data analysis.
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18
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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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19
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Wang W, Kim CK, Ting AY. Molecular tools for imaging and recording neuronal activity. Nat Chem Biol 2019; 15:101-110. [PMID: 30659298 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-018-0207-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
To understand how the brain relates to behavior, it is essential to record neural activity in awake, behaving animals. To achieve this goal, a large variety of genetically encoded sensors have been developed to monitor and record the series of events following neuronal firing, including action potentials, intracellular calcium rise, neurotransmitter release and immediate early gene expression. In this Review, we discuss the existing genetically encoded tools for detecting and integrating neuronal activity in animals and highlight the remaining challenges and future opportunities for molecular biologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Wang
- Departments of Genetics, Biology, and Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christina K Kim
- Departments of Genetics, Biology, and Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alice Y Ting
- Departments of Genetics, Biology, and Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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20
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Greenwald EC, Mehta S, Zhang J. Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors Illuminate the Spatiotemporal Regulation of Signaling Networks. Chem Rev 2018; 118:11707-11794. [PMID: 30550275 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cellular signaling networks are the foundation which determines the fate and function of cells as they respond to various cues and stimuli. The discovery of fluorescent proteins over 25 years ago enabled the development of a diverse array of genetically encodable fluorescent biosensors that are capable of measuring the spatiotemporal dynamics of signal transduction pathways in live cells. In an effort to encapsulate the breadth over which fluorescent biosensors have expanded, we endeavored to assemble a comprehensive list of published engineered biosensors, and we discuss many of the molecular designs utilized in their development. Then, we review how the high temporal and spatial resolution afforded by fluorescent biosensors has aided our understanding of the spatiotemporal regulation of signaling networks at the cellular and subcellular level. Finally, we highlight some emerging areas of research in both biosensor design and applications that are on the forefront of biosensor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C Greenwald
- University of California , San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, BRFII , La Jolla , CA 92093-0702 , United States
| | - Sohum Mehta
- University of California , San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, BRFII , La Jolla , CA 92093-0702 , United States
| | - Jin Zhang
- University of California , San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, BRFII , La Jolla , CA 92093-0702 , United States
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21
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van Opbergen CJ, Koopman CD, Kok BJ, Knöpfel T, Renninger SL, Orger MB, Vos MA, van Veen TA, Bakkers J, de Boer TP. Optogenetic sensors in the zebrafish heart: a novel in vivo electrophysiological tool to study cardiac arrhythmogenesis. Theranostics 2018; 8:4750-4764. [PMID: 30279735 PMCID: PMC6160779 DOI: 10.7150/thno.26108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are among the most challenging human disorders to diagnose and treat due to their complex underlying pathophysiology. Suitable experimental animal models are needed to study the mechanisms causative for cardiac arrhythmogenesis. To enable in vivo analysis of cardiac cellular electrophysiology with a high spatial and temporal resolution, we generated and carefully validated two zebrafish models, one expressing an optogenetic voltage indicator (chimeric VSFP-butterfly CY) and the other a genetically encoded calcium indicator (GCaMP6f) in the heart. Methods: High-speed epifluorescence microscopy was used to image chimeric VSFP-butterfly CY and GCaMP6f in the embryonic zebrafish heart, providing information about the spatiotemporal patterning of electrical activation, action potential configuration and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. Plotting VSFP or GCaMP6f signals on a line along the myocardial wall over time facilitated the visualization and analysis of electrical impulse propagation throughout the heart. Administration of drugs targeting the sympathetic nervous system or cardiac ion channels was used to validate sensitivity and kinetics of both zebrafish sensor lines. Using the same microscope setup, we imaged transparent juvenile casper fish expressing GCaMP6f, demonstrating the feasibility of imaging cardiac optogenetic sensors at later stages of development. Results: Isoproterenol slightly increased heart rate, diastolic Ca2+ levels and Ca2+ transient amplitudes, whereas propranolol caused a profound decrease in heart rate and Ca2+ transient parameters in VSFP-Butterfly and GCaMP6f embryonic fish. Ikr blocker E-4031 decreased heart rate and increased action potential duration in VSFP-Butterfly fish. ICa,L blocker nifedipine caused total blockade of Ca2+ transients in GCaMP6f fish and a reduced heart rate, altered ventricular action potential duration and disrupted atrial-ventricular electrical conduction in VSFP-Butterfly fish. Imaging of juvenile animals demonstrated the possibility of employing an older zebrafish model for in vivo cardiac electrophysiology studies. We observed differences in atrial and ventricular Ca2+ recovery dynamics between 3 dpf and 14 dpf casper fish, but not in Ca2+ upstroke dynamics. Conclusion: By introducing the optogenetic sensors chimeric VSFP-butterfly CY and GCaMP6f into the zebrafish we successfully generated an in vivo cellular electrophysiological readout tool for the zebrafish heart. Complementary use of both sensor lines demonstrated the ability to study heart rate, cardiac action potential configuration, spatiotemporal patterning of electrical activation and intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in embryonic zebrafish. In addition, we demonstrated the first successful use of an optogenetic sensor to study cardiac function in older zebrafish. These models present a promising new research tool to study the underlying mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmogenesis.
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22
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Song C, Piscopo DM, Niell CM, Knöpfel T. Cortical signatures of wakeful somatosensory processing. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11977. [PMID: 30097603 PMCID: PMC6086870 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30422-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory inputs carry critical information for the survival of an organism. In mice, tactile information conveyed by the whiskers is of high behavioural relevance, and is broadcasted across cortical areas beyond the primary somatosensory cortex. Mesoscopic voltage sensitive dye imaging (VSDI) of cortical population response to whisker stimulations has shown that seemingly 'simple' sensory stimuli can have extended impact on cortical circuit dynamics. Here we took advantage of genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) that allow for cell type-specific monitoring of population voltage dynamics in a chronic dual-hemisphere transcranial windowed mouse preparation to directly compare the cortex-wide broadcasting of sensory information in wakening (lightly anesthetized to sedated) and awake mice. Somatosensory-evoked cortex-wide dynamics is altered across brain states, with anatomically sequential hyperpolarising activity observed in the awake cortex. GEVI imaging revealed cortical activity maps with increased specificity, high spatial coverage, and at the timescale of cortical information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Song
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, W12 0NN, London, UK
| | - Denise M Piscopo
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, 97403, USA
| | - Cristopher M Niell
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, 97403, USA
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, W12 0NN, London, UK. .,Centre for Neurotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK.
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23
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Abstract
Fluorescent protein-based biosensors are indispensable molecular tools for life science research. The invention and development of high-fidelity biosensors for a particular molecule or molecular event often catalyze important scientific breakthroughs. Understanding the structural and functional organization of brain activities remain a subject for which optical sensors are in desperate need and of growing interest. Here, we review genetically encoded fluorescent sensors for imaging neuronal activities with a focus on the design principles and optimizations of various sensors. New bioluminescent sensors useful for deep-tissue imaging are also discussed. By highlighting the protein engineering efforts and experimental applications of these sensors, we can consequently analyze factors influencing their performance. Finally, we remark on how future developments can fill technological gaps and lead to new discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Chen
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, QB3, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Tan M. Truong
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, and Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Hui-wang Ai
- Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, and Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Correspondence:
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24
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25
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Koopman CD, Zimmermann WH, Knöpfel T, de Boer TP. Cardiac optogenetics: using light to monitor cardiac physiology. Basic Res Cardiol 2017; 112:56. [PMID: 28861604 PMCID: PMC5579185 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-017-0645-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Our current understanding of cardiac excitation and its coupling to contraction is largely based on ex vivo studies utilising fluorescent organic dyes to assess cardiac action potentials and signal transduction. Recent advances in optogenetic sensors open exciting new possibilities for cardiac research and allow us to answer research questions that cannot be addressed using the classic organic dyes. Especially thrilling is the possibility to use optogenetic sensors to record parameters of cardiac excitation and contraction in vivo. In addition, optogenetics provide a high spatial resolution, as sensors can be coupled to motifs and targeted to specific cell types and subcellular domains of the heart. In this review, we will give a comprehensive overview of relevant optogenetic sensors, how they can be utilised in cardiac research and how they have been applied in cardiac research up to now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte D Koopman
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Yalelaan 50, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wolfram H Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,DHZK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Centre for Neurotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Teun P de Boer
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Yalelaan 50, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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26
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Toward Better Genetically Encoded Sensors of Membrane Potential. Trends Neurosci 2017; 39:277-289. [PMID: 27130905 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetically encoded optical sensors of cell activity are powerful tools that can be targeted to specific cell types. This is especially important in neuroscience because individual brain regions can include a multitude of different cell types. Optical imaging allows for simultaneous recording from numerous neurons or brain regions. Optical signals of membrane potential are useful because membrane potential changes are a direct sign of both synaptic and action potentials. Here we describe recent improvements in the in vitro and in vivo signal size and kinetics of genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) and discuss their relationship to alternative sensors of neural activity.
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27
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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: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [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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28
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Song C, Do QB, Antic SD, Knöpfel T. Transgenic Strategies for Sparse but Strong Expression of Genetically Encoded Voltage and Calcium Indicators. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071461. [PMID: 28686207 PMCID: PMC5535952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapidly progressing development of optogenetic tools, particularly genetically encoded optical indicators, enables monitoring activities of neuronal circuits of identified cell populations in longitudinal in vivo studies. Recently developed advanced transgenic approaches achieve high levels of indicator expression. However, targeting non-sparse cell populations leads to dense expression patterns such that optical signals from neuronal processes cannot be allocated to individual neurons. This issue is particularly pertinent for the use of genetically encoded voltage indicators whose membrane-delimited signals arise largely from the neuropil where dendritic and axonal membranes of many cells intermingle. Here we address this need for sparse but strong expression of genetically encoded optical indicators using a titratable recombination-activated transgene transcription to achieve a Golgi staining-type indicator expression pattern in vivo. Using different transgenic strategies, we also illustrate that co-expression of genetically encoded voltage and calcium indicators can be achieved in vivo for studying neuronal circuit input–output relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Song
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Quyen B Do
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Srdjan D Antic
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030-3401, USA.
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.
- Centre for Neurotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
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29
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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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30
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Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent sensors are essential tools in modern biological research, and recent advances in fluorescent proteins (FPs) have expanded the scope of sensor design and implementation. In this review we compare different sensor platforms, including Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensors, fluorescence-modulated single FP-based sensors, translocation sensors, complementation sensors, and dimerization-based sensors. We discuss elements of sensor design and engineering for each platform, including the incorporation of new types of FPs and sensor screening techniques. Finally, we summarize the wide range of sensors in the literature, exploring creative new sensor architectures suitable for different applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Sanford
- University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Amy Palmer
- University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States.
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31
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Ganesana M, Lee ST, Wang Y, Venton BJ. Analytical Techniques in Neuroscience: Recent Advances in Imaging, Separation, and Electrochemical Methods. Anal Chem 2017; 89:314-341. [PMID: 28105819 PMCID: PMC5260807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b04278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - B. Jill Venton
- Department of Chemistry, PO Box 400319, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904
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32
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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: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [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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Inagaki S, Nagai T. Current progress in genetically encoded voltage indicators for neural activity recording. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2016; 33:95-100. [PMID: 27322400 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators (GEVIs) are powerful tools used to investigate neural activity in the brain. The spatiotemporal resolution of GEVIs is on a subcellular and millisecond scale, and is superior to that of the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG). Further, while patch-clamp techniques record membrane voltage for tens of neurons simultaneously, GEVIs can do so for hundreds of neurons. It is important for neuroscientists to understand the pros and cons of GEVIs and to choose appropriate ones for their specific requirements. Here, we summarize the characteristics of currently available GEVIs based on voltage sensing mechanism and provide a guideline for selecting optimal GEVIs for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigenori Inagaki
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takeharu Nagai
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan.
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34
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Design and development of genetically encoded fluorescent sensors to monitor intracellular chemical and physical parameters. Biophys Rev 2016; 8:121-138. [PMID: 28510054 PMCID: PMC4884202 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-016-0195-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades many researchers have made major contributions towards the development of genetically encoded (GE) fluorescent sensors derived from fluorescent proteins. GE sensors are now used to study biological phenomena by facilitating the measurement of biochemical behaviors at various scales, ranging from single molecules to single cells or even whole animals. Here, we review the historical development of GE fluorescent sensors and report on their current status. We specifically focus on the development strategies of the GE sensors used for measuring pH, ion concentrations (e.g., chloride and calcium), redox indicators, membrane potential, temperature, pressure, and molecular crowding. We demonstrate that these fluroescent protein-based sensors have a shared history of concepts and development strategies, and we highlight the most original concepts used to date. We believe that the understanding and application of these various concepts will pave the road for the development of future GE sensors and lead to new breakthroughs in bioimaging.
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Antic SD, Empson RM, Knöpfel T. Voltage imaging to understand connections and functions of neuronal circuits. J Neurophysiol 2016; 116:135-52. [PMID: 27075539 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00226.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying brain functions such as cognition and emotions requires monitoring of membrane voltage at the cellular, circuit, and system levels. Seminal voltage-sensitive dye and calcium-sensitive dye imaging studies have demonstrated parallel detection of electrical activity across populations of interconnected neurons in a variety of preparations. A game-changing advance made in recent years has been the conceptualization and development of optogenetic tools, including genetically encoded indicators of voltage (GEVIs) or calcium (GECIs) and genetically encoded light-gated ion channels (actuators, e.g., channelrhodopsin2). Compared with low-molecular-weight calcium and voltage indicators (dyes), the optogenetic imaging approaches are 1) cell type specific, 2) less invasive, 3) able to relate activity and anatomy, and 4) facilitate long-term recordings of individual cells' activities over weeks, thereby allowing direct monitoring of the emergence of learned behaviors and underlying circuit mechanisms. We highlight the potential of novel approaches based on GEVIs and compare those to calcium imaging approaches. We also discuss how novel approaches based on GEVIs (and GECIs) coupled with genetically encoded actuators will promote progress in our knowledge of brain circuits and systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srdjan D Antic
- Stem Cell Institute, Institute for Systems Genomics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Ruth M Empson
- Department of Physiology, Brain Research New Zealand, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; and
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine and Centre for Neurotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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36
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Jorgenson LA, Newsome WT, Anderson DJ, Bargmann CI, Brown EN, Deisseroth K, Donoghue JP, Hudson KL, Ling GSF, MacLeish PR, Marder E, Normann RA, Sanes JR, Schnitzer MJ, Sejnowski TJ, Tank DW, Tsien RY, Ugurbil K, Wingfield JC. The BRAIN Initiative: developing technology to catalyse neuroscience discovery. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 370:rstb.2014.0164. [PMID: 25823863 PMCID: PMC4387507 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of the field of neuroscience has been propelled by the advent of novel technological capabilities, and the pace at which these capabilities are being developed has accelerated dramatically in the past decade. Capitalizing on this momentum, the United States launched the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative to develop and apply new tools and technologies for revolutionizing our understanding of the brain. In this article, we review the scientific vision for this initiative set forth by the National Institutes of Health and discuss its implications for the future of neuroscience research. Particular emphasis is given to its potential impact on the mapping and study of neural circuits, and how this knowledge will transform our understanding of the complexity of the human brain and its diverse array of behaviours, perceptions, thoughts and emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyric A Jorgenson
- Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - William T Newsome
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David J Anderson
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Cornelia I Bargmann
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Lulu and Anthony Wang Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Emery N Brown
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Bioengineering, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - John P Donoghue
- Brown Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Kathy L Hudson
- Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Geoffrey S F Ling
- Biological Technologies Office, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, VA 22203, USA
| | - Peter R MacLeish
- Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Eve Marder
- Biology Department and Volen Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Richard A Normann
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Mark J Schnitzer
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and James H. Clark Center for Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, CNC Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Terrence J Sejnowski
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - David W Tank
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Bezos Center for Neural Circuit Dynamics and Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Roger Y Tsien
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kamil Ugurbil
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, MN 55454, USA
| | - John C Wingfield
- Directorate for Biological Sciences, National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA 22230, USA
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37
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Song C, Knöpfel T. Optogenetics enlightens neuroscience drug discovery. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2015; 15:97-109. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2015.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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38
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Treger JS, Priest MF, Bezanilla F. Single-molecule fluorimetry and gating currents inspire an improved optical voltage indicator. eLife 2015; 4:e10482. [PMID: 26599732 PMCID: PMC4658195 DOI: 10.7554/elife.10482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) underlie the movement of voltage-gated ion channels, as well as the voltage-sensitive fluorescent responses observed from a common class of genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs). Despite the widespread use and potential utility of these GEVIs, the biophysical underpinnings of the relationship between VSD movement and fluorophore response remain unclear. We investigated the recently developed GEVI ArcLight, and its close variant Arclight', at both the single-molecule and macroscopic levels to better understand their characteristics and mechanisms of activity. These studies revealed a number of previously unobserved features of ArcLight's behavior, including millisecond-scale fluorescence fluctuations in single molecules as well as a previously unreported delay prior to macroscopic fluorescence onset. Finally, these mechanistic insights allowed us to improve the optical response of ArcLight to fast or repetitive pulses with the development of ArcLightning, a novel GEVI with improved kinetics. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10482.001 Nerve cells, or neurons, transmit information using changes in the voltage across their cell membranes. In the brain, these neurons work together in complex networks, and so understanding how the brain processes information will require neuroscientists to analyze voltage changes in many neurons at the same time.To achieve this, scientists have developed genetically-encoded voltage indicators (or GEVIs). These commonly feature a fluorescent protein attached to a voltage-sensitive protein; when the voltage-sensitive protein moves in response to changes in electrical activity, the amount of light emitted by the fluorescent protein also changes. Treger, Priest and Bezanilla have now studied the characteristics of a popular GEVI called ArcLight by recording how fluorescence and voltage are related, both in single molecules and in groups of millions of molecules.This revealed that the fluorescence response of ArcLight does not occur instantly when a voltage change occurs. Instead the indicator fluoresces after a short delay. This delay corresponds with how quickly the voltage-sensitive protein responds. The fluorescence of a close relative of ArcLight also rapidly flickers, which deteriorates the signal quality. Using this knowledge Treger, Priest and Bezanilla engineered the voltage-sensitive protein of ArcLight to develop a new variant of the indicator, named ArcLightning. Tests revealed that ArcLightning responds much faster than ArcLight to voltage changes in neurons, although the flicker of the fluorescent protein likely remains. ArcLightning should prove to be a valuable tool for analyzing how neurons work together in living animals, but the flicker of the fluorescent protein suggests that there is further room for improvement. The rational design method used to develop ArcLightning could also be applied to improve other recently developed voltage indicators. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10482.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Treger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Michael F Priest
- Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
| | - Francisco Bezanilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States.,Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, United States
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39
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Storace D, Rad MS, Han Z, Jin L, Cohen LB, Hughes T, Baker BJ, Sung U. Genetically Encoded Protein Sensors of Membrane Potential. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 859:493-509. [PMID: 26238066 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-17641-3_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Organic voltage-sensitive dyes offer very high spatial and temporal resolution for imaging neuronal function. However these dyes suffer from the drawbacks of non-specificity of cell staining and low accessibility of the dye to some cell types. Further progress in imaging activity is expected from the development of genetically encoded fluorescent sensors of membrane potential. Cell type specificity of expression of these fluorescent protein (FP) voltage sensors can be obtained via several different mechanisms. One is cell type specificity of infection by individual virus subtypes. A second mechanism is specificity of promoter expression in individual cell types. A third, depends on the offspring of transgenic animals with cell type specific expression of cre recombinase mated with an animal that has the DNA for the FP voltage sensor in all of its cells but its expression is dependent on the recombinase activity. Challenges remain. First, the response time constants of many of the new FP voltage sensors are slower (2-10 ms) than those of organic dyes. This results in a relatively small fractional fluorescence change, ΔF/F, for action potentials. Second, the largest signal presently available is only ~40% for a 100 mV depolarization and many of the new probes have signals that are substantially smaller. Large signals are especially important when attempting to detect fast events because the shorter measurement interval results in a relatively small number of detected photons and therefore a relatively large shot noise (see Chap. 1). Another kind of challenge has occurred when attempts were made to transition from one species to another or from one cell type to another or from cell culture to in vivo measurements.Several laboratories have recently described a number of novel FP voltage sensors. Here we attempt to critically review the current status of these developments in terms of signal size, time course, and in vivo function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Storace
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
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40
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Gong Y. The evolving capabilities of rhodopsin-based genetically encoded voltage indicators. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2015; 27:84-9. [PMID: 26143170 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Protein engineering over the past four years has made rhodopsin-based genetically encoded voltage indicators a leading candidate to achieve the task of reporting action potentials from a population of genetically targeted neurons in vivo. Rational design and large-scale screening efforts have steadily improved the dynamic range and kinetics of the rhodopsin voltage-sensing domain, and coupling these rhodopsins to bright fluorescent proteins has supported bright fluorescence readout of the large and rapid rhodopsin voltage response. The rhodopsin-fluorescent protein fusions have the highest achieved signal-to-noise ratios for detecting action potentials in neuronal cultures to date, and have successfully reported single spike events in vivo. Given the rapid pace of current development, the genetically encoded voltage indicator class is nearing the goal of robust spike imaging during live-animal behavioral experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States.
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41
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Knöpfel T, Gallero-Salas Y, Song C. Genetically encoded voltage indicators for large scale cortical imaging come of age. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2015; 27:75-83. [PMID: 26115448 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Electrical signals are fundamental to cellular sensing, communication and motility. In the nervous system, information is represented as receptor, synaptic and action potentials. Understanding how brain functions emerge from these electrical signals is one of the ultimate challenges in neuroscience and requires a methodology to monitor membrane voltage transients from large numbers of cells at high spatio-temporal resolution. Optical voltage imaging holds longstanding promises to achieve this, and has gained a fresh powerful momentum with the development of genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs). With a focus on neuroimaging studies on intact mouse brains, we highlight recent advances in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Knöpfel
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
| | - Yasir Gallero-Salas
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Chenchen Song
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
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42
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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: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [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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43
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Mutoh H, Mishina Y, Gallero-Salas Y, Knöpfel T. Comparative performance of a genetically-encoded voltage indicator and a blue voltage sensitive dye for large scale cortical voltage imaging. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:147. [PMID: 25964738 PMCID: PMC4408844 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional small molecule voltage sensitive dye indicators have been a powerful tool for monitoring large scale dynamics of neuronal activities but have several limitations including the lack of cell class specific targeting, invasiveness and difficulties in conducting longitudinal studies. Recent advances in the development of genetically-encoded voltage indicators have successfully overcome these limitations. Genetically-encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) provide sufficient sensitivity to map cortical representations of sensory information and spontaneous network activities across cortical areas and different brain states. In this study, we directly compared the performance of a prototypic GEVI, VSFP2.3, with that of a widely used small molecule voltage sensitive dye (VSD), RH1691, in terms of their ability to resolve mesoscopic scale cortical population responses. We used three synchronized CCD cameras to simultaneously record the dual emission ratiometric fluorescence signal from VSFP2.3 and RH1691 fluorescence. The results show that VSFP2.3 offers more stable and less invasive recording conditions, while the signal-to-noise level and the response dynamics to sensory inputs are comparable to RH1691 recordings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Mutoh
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine Hamamatsu, Japan ; Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute Wako City, Japan
| | - Yukiko Mishina
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute Wako City, Japan ; Centre for Global Communication Strategies The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Japan
| | - Yasir Gallero-Salas
- Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London London, UK
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute Wako City, Japan ; Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London London, UK
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44
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Akemann W, Song C, Mutoh H, Knöpfel T. Route to genetically targeted optical electrophysiology: development and applications of voltage-sensitive fluorescent proteins. NEUROPHOTONICS 2015; 2:021008. [PMID: 26082930 PMCID: PMC4465821 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.2.2.021008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The invention of membrane voltage protein indicators widens the reach of optical voltage imaging in cell physiology, most notably neurophysiology, by enabling membrane voltage recordings from genetically defined cell types in chronic and life-long preparations. While the last years have seen a dramatic improvement in the technical performance of these indicators, concomitant innovations in optogenetics, optical axon tracing, and high-speed digital microscopy are beginning to fulfill the age-old vision of an all-optical analysis of neuronal circuits, reaching beyond the limits of traditional electrode-based recordings. We will present our personal account of the development of protein voltage indicators from the pioneering days to the present state, including their applications in neurophysiology that has inspired our own work for more than a decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walther Akemann
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, London W12 ONN, United Kingdom
- Institute of Biology, CNRS UMR 8197, École Normale Supérieure, 46 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Chenchen Song
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, London W12 ONN, United Kingdom
| | - Hiroki Mutoh
- Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Department of Neurophysiology, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- Imperial College London, Department of Medicine, London W12 ONN, United Kingdom
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45
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Abstract
Genetically encoded fluorescent reporters take advantage of C. elegans' transparency to allow noninvasive, in vivo observation and recording of physiological processes in intact animals. Here, I discuss the basic microscope components required to observe, image, and measure fluorescent proteins in live animals for students and researchers who work with C. elegans but have limited experience with fluorescence imaging and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hendricks
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Ave Docteur Penfield, Rm N5/12, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 1B1.
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