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Targeting neurons and photons for optogenetics

Nature Neuroscience volume 16, pages 805–815 (2013)Cite this article

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Abstract

Optogenetic approaches promise to revolutionize neuroscience by using light to manipulate neural activity in genetically or functionally defined neurons with millisecond precision. Harnessing the full potential of optogenetic tools, however, requires light to be targeted to the right neurons at the right time. Here we discuss some barriers and potential solutions to this problem. We review methods for targeting the expression of light-activatable molecules to specific cell types, under genetic, viral or activity-dependent control. Next we explore new ways to target light to individual neurons to allow their precise activation and inactivation. These techniques provide a precision in the temporal and spatial activation of neurons that was not achievable in previous experiments. In combination with simultaneous recording and imaging techniques, these strategies will allow us to mimic the natural activity patterns of neurons in vivo, enabling previously impossible 'dream experiments'.

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Figure 1: Intersectional strategies for targeting optogenetic manipulation.

Marina Corral Spence

Figure 2: Viral targeting of optogenetic tools using knowledge of circuit connectivity.
Figure 3: Targeting optogene expression using single-cell electroporation.
Figure 4: Patterned illumination strategies.
Figure 5: One-photon versus two-photon activation strategies: from spines to circuits.
Figure 6: Using targeted optogenetics to enable 'dream experiments'.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to B. Clark, B. Judkewitz, D. Peterka, A. Roth, T. Sato, S. Smith, D. Sosulski, C. Wilms, K. Yonehara, R. Yuste and F. Zhang for discussions and for comments on the manuscript. We thank B. Judkewitz for help with Figure 4. This work was supported by an EMBO Long-Term Fellowship (A.M.P.) and by grants from the Friedrich Miescher Institute, Alcon, European Research Council and the European Union (B.R.) and from the Wellcome Trust, ERC and Gatsby Charitable Foundation (M.H.).

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  1. Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK

    Adam M Packer & Michael Häusser

  2. Neural Circuit Laboratories, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland

    Botond Roska

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Packer, A., Roska, B. & Häusser, M. Targeting neurons and photons for optogenetics. Nat Neurosci 16, 805–815 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.3427

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