Next-generation optical technologies for illuminating genetically targeted brain circuits.
Emerging technologies from optics, genetics, and bioengineering are being combined for studies of intact neural circuits. The rapid progression of such interdisciplinary "optogenetic" approaches has expanded capabilities for optical imaging and genetic targeting of specific cell types. Here we explore key recent advances that unite optical and genetic approaches, focusing on promising techniques that either allow novel studies of neural dynamics and behavior or provide fresh perspectives on classic model systems.
Deisseroth
Karl
K
Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA. deissero@stanford.edu
Feng
Guoping
G
Majewska
Ania K
AK
Miesenböck
Gero
G
Ting
Alice
A
Schnitzer
Mark J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D018390:Gene Targeting / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000639:trends*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000295:instrumentation*