Technical Reports in 2015

The authors developed two subcellular optogenetic tools, pHoenix and lyso-pHoenix, that allow light-driven acidification of synaptic vesicles and lysosomes, respectively. pHoenix was used to control the degree of neurotransmitter uptake into synaptic vesicles, revealing that exocytosis of partially filled vesicles is less efficient than the release of completely filled vesicles.

A cortical parcellation technique accurately maps functional organization in individual brains. Functional networks mapped by this approach are highly reproducible and effectively capture individual variability. The algorithm performs well across different populations and data types and is validated by invasive cortical stimulation mapping in surgical patients.

ScaleS is a tissue clearing method for light and electron microscopy featuring stable tissue preservation for immunochemical and genetic labeling of tissue for 3D signal rendering. The technique enables quantitative and reproducible reconstructions of aged and diseased tissue in animal models and patients for high resolution optical pathology.

GFP reporter lines are useful for labeling specific cell types. Here, the authors developed a method to convert GFP expression directly into Cre recombinase activity. GFP-dependent Cre was delivered via electroporation or AAV to neural tissues in the mouse, and could be used for optogenetic control of specific cell types.

The authors developed a transcriptional reporter of intracellular Ca²⁺ and used it to monitor activity in Drosophila sensory and neuromodulatory neurons. They demonstrate that this tool can be used to manipulate neurons basis of their activity and report variants that can be adapted to report activity across a wide range.