Pipeline for 2-photon all-optical physiology in mouse: From viral titration and optical window implantation to binarization of calcium transients

STAR Protoc. 2021 Dec 9;2(4):101010. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.101010. eCollection 2021 Dec 17.

Abstract

2-photon all-optical physiology combines in vivo 2-photon calcium imaging and optogenetics, which enables both the read out and manipulation of neuronal microcircuits with single-cell resolution. Here, we describe a protocol for achieving optimized co-expression of calcium indicator and opsin. To enable longitudinal designs, we introduce a template for virus injection and chronic window implantation. We also highlight key aspects of performing 2-photon imaging and suggest an analysis algorithm for the binarization of putatively action-potential (AP)-related calcium transients. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Fu et al. (2021).

Keywords: Gene Expression; Microscopy; Neuroscience.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Animals
  • Brain* / cytology
  • Brain* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain* / metabolism
  • Brain* / physiology
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Dependovirus / genetics
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Optogenetics / methods*

Substances

  • Calcium