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Optogenetic Tools for Control of Neural Activity

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Optical Imaging of Neocortical Dynamics

Part of the book series: Neuromethods ((NM,volume 85))

Abstract

Understanding the contribution of defined elements to the dynamics of neural circuitry requires not only control on a time scale relevant to neural activity, but also specificity such that the experimental manipulation leaves other components of the circuit unaltered [1]. Electrical stimulation, while providing precise temporal control, modulates neurons based only on location, regardless of identity. Conversely, pharmacological control manipulates the activity of neurons based on specific properties, but in the absence of precise temporal control and with limited spatial control. The adaptation of light-activated ion channels and pumps to neuroscience has enabled temporally precise manipulation of genetically defined circuit elements and allows collection of causal, rather than correlative, data in describing the function of neural elements in acute slice preparation and anesthetized or awake, behaving animals [2]. The ready integration of these “optogenetic” tools [3] into the standard neuroscience toolbox has opened the door to experimental paradigms and insights that were not previously available. Here, we provide an overview of optogenetic principles followed by a description of currently available tools for control of depolarization, hyperpolarization, and biochemical signaling cascades.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bioengineering, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA

    Lief E. Fenno & Karl Deisseroth

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  1. Lief E. Fenno
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  2. Karl Deisseroth
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Zurich, Switzerland

    Bruno Weber

  2. University of Zurich, Switzerland

    Fritjof Helmchen

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Fenno, L.E., Deisseroth, K. (2014). Optogenetic Tools for Control of Neural Activity. In: Weber, B., Helmchen, F. (eds) Optical Imaging of Neocortical Dynamics. Neuromethods, vol 85. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-785-3_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-785-3_5

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-784-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-785-3

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