Single-Cell Resolution Optogenetics Via Expression of Soma-Targeted Rhodopsins

Abstract

Optogenetics allows control of neural activity in genetically targeted neuron populations by light. Optogenetic control of individual neurons in neural circuits would enable powerful, causal investigations of neural connectivity and function at single-cell level and provide insights into how neural circuits operate. Such single-cell resolution optogenetics in neuron populations requires precise sculpting of light and subcellular targeting of optogenetic molecules. Here we describe a group of methods for single-cell resolution optogenetics in neuron cultures, in mouse brain slices, and in mouse cortex in-vivo, via patterned light and soma-targeted optogenetic molecules.

Keywords: Cell-body-targeted opsins; Computer-generated holography; Functional connectivity; Single-cell control; Single-cell optogenetics; Somatic optogenetics; Synaptic transmission; Two-photon stimulation.