Year: 2012
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Studies of the brain promise to be revolutionized by new experimental strategies that harness the combined power of optical techniques and genetics. We have mapped the circuitry of the mouse brain by using both optogenetic actuators that control neuronal activity and optogenetic sensors that detect neuronal activity. Using the light-activated cation channel, channelrhodopsin-2, to locally photostimulate neurons allows high-speed mapping of local and long-range circuitry. For example, with this approach we have mapped local circuits in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and many other brain regions. Using the fluorescent sensor for chloride ions, Clomeleon, allows imaging of the spatial and temporal dimensions of inhibitory circuits in the brain. This approach allows imaging of both conventional "phasic" synaptic inhibition as well as unconventional "tonic" inhibition. The combined use of light to both control and monitor neural activity creates unprecedented opportunities to explore brain function, screen pharmaceutical agents, and potentially to use light to ameliorate psychiatric and neurological disorders.
DOI: 10.1117/12.2008665
Authors: George J. Augustine, Ken Berglund, Harin Gill, Carolin Hoffmann, Malvika Katarya, Jinsook Kim, John Kudolo, Li M. Lee, Molly Lee, Daniel Lo, Ryuichi Nakajima, Min Yoon Park, Gregory Tan, Yanxia Tang, Peggy Teo, Sachiko Tsuda, Lei Wen, Su-In Yoon
Language: English
Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2011814333