Genetically Encoded Functional Indicators

This Neuromethods series book surveys new genetic techniques for generating genetically encoded activity sensors used to investigate neuronal activity. Each chapter covers a specific sensor and its utilization, with key description and implementation advice.

In the last decade, several different optical imaging techniques, either based on various voltage or calcium dyes, or more recently on modified fluorescent or bioluminescent proteins (genetically encoded) that are sensitive to calcium, have been developed to study neuronal activity, and especially groups of neurons, with the goal of mapping and deciphering the neural code underlying major neurophysiological functions. Genetically Encoded Functional Indicators brings together expert contributors to present the development of recent genetic techniques that allow for generating genetically encoded activity sensors in order to investigate neuronal activity. Each chapter describes a specific sensor and its utilization to study neuronal activity in a particular way. Written in the Neuromethods series style, chapters contain the kind of key description and implementation advice that guarantees successful results.

Helpful and easy to use, Genetically Encoded Functional Indicators aims to inspire students and researchers and to serve as a useful guide to those who wish to start using these different brain imaging techniques and require a bit of guidance in how best to choose a technique to match the goal of their study.

Presents a comprehensive overview of the biophysical and biochemical properties of the titular probes Features easy and accessible descriptions of the main imaging tools and methods now available Includes detailed protocols based on the most cutting-edge biological advances

Inhalt

In Vivo Functional Brain Imaging Using a Genetically Encoded Ca2+-Sensitive Bioluminescence Reporter, GFP-Aequorin.- Ca2+ Imaging in Brain Slices Using Bioluminescent Reporters.- Calcium Imaging of Neural Activity in the Olfactory System of Drosophila.- Functional Imaging of Antennal Lobe Neurons in Drosophila with Synapto-pHluorin.- Performing Electrophysiology and Two-Photon Calcium Imaging in the Adult Drosophila Central Brain During Walking Behavior.- In Vivo Optical Recording of Brain Interneuron Activities from a Drosophila Male on a Treadmill.- Two-Photon Imaging of Population Activity with Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators in Living Flies.- Engineering and Application of Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators.- Imaging cAMP Dynamics in the Drosophila Brain with the Genetically Encoded Sensor Epac1-Camps.