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Optogenetic analysis of synaptic function

delete2008-09-14
delete169
PRE
AI
J
Jana Liewald
M
Martin Brauner
G
Greg J. Stephens
M
Magali Bouhours
C
Christian Schultheis
M
Mei Zhen
A
Alexander Gottschalk *
DOI:10.1038/NMETH.1252delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
We introduce optogenetic investigation of neurotransmission (OptIoN) for time-resolved and quantitative assessment of synaptic function via behavioral and electrophysiological analyses. We photo-triggered release of acetylcholine or gamma-aminobutyric acid at Caenorhabditis elegans neuromuscular junctions using targeted expression of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Channelrhodopsin-2. In intact Channelrhodopsin-2 transgenic worms, photostimulation instantly induced body elongation (for gamma-aminobutyric acid) or contraction ( for acetylcholine), which we analyzed acutely, or during sustained activation with automated image analysis, to assess synaptic efficacy. In dissected worms, photostimulation evoked neurotransmitter-specific postsynaptic currents that could be triggered repeatedly and at various frequencies. Light-evoked behaviors and postsynaptic currents were significantly (P <= 0.05) altered in mutants with pre- or postsynaptic defects, although the behavioral phenotypes did not unambiguously report on synaptic function in all cases tested. OptIoN facilitates the analysis of neurotransmission with high temporal precision, in a neurotransmitter-selective manner, possibly allowing future investigation of synaptic plasticity in C. elegans.
Keywords:
NERVOUS-SYSTEM
TRANSMISSION
GABA
CHANNELRHODOPSIN-2
ACTIVATION
RECEPTORS
UNC-13
FUSION
SIZE
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Journal

Nature Methods cover
Nature Methods
IF:
32.1
Papers:
7.2K
Citations:
12.7W

Organization

G
Goethe University Frankfurt
Scholars:
2.6W
Papers: 2.0W
Citations: 3.0W
P
Princeton University
Scholars:
2.1W
Papers: 2.3W
Citations: 5.1W
U
university of toronto
Scholars:
14.7W
Papers: 12.0W
Citations: 165
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