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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Imaging Intracellular Ca2+ Signals in Striatal Astrocytes from Adult Mice Using Genetically-encoded Calcium Indicators

Imaging Intracellular Ca²⁺ Signals in Striatal Astrocytes from Adult Mice Using Genetically-encoded Calcium Indicators

Published on: November 19, 2014

Optogenetic experimentation on astrocytes.

M Figueiredo¹, S Lane, F Tang

¹School of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.

Experimental Physiology

|November 3, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Optogenetics enables precise control of astrocyte activity, revealing their previously unknown functions in physiology. This review highlights how these "inconspicuous cells" play vital roles, uncovered through advanced genetic tools.

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Last Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Imaging Intracellular Ca2+ Signals in Striatal Astrocytes from Adult Mice Using Genetically-encoded Calcium Indicators

Imaging Intracellular Ca²⁺ Signals in Striatal Astrocytes from Adult Mice Using Genetically-encoded Calcium Indicators

Published on: November 19, 2014

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Culturing In Vivo-like Murine Astrocytes Using the Fast, Simple, and Inexpensive AWESAM Protocol

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Published on: January 10, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology

Background:

Astrocytes, traditionally viewed as supportive cells, are increasingly recognized for their active roles in neural function.
Understanding astrocyte physiology requires precise tools to manipulate and monitor their activity.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the application of optogenetics in studying astrocyte physiology.
To highlight how optogenetic tools have elucidated novel astrocyte functions.

Main Methods:

Review of literature utilizing optogenetics for astrocyte research.
Application of genetically engineered calcium (Ca2+) sensors and effector proteins, like channelrhodopsin.
Use of cell-specific viral vectors for targeted expression of optogenetic constructs in astrocytes.

Main Results:

Optogenetics provides unprecedented control over astrocyte activity in vitro and in vivo.
This technology has uncovered previously unsuspected roles for astrocytes in neural circuits.
Genetically encoded sensors and effectors allow detailed investigation of astrocyte signaling.

Conclusions:

Optogenetics is a powerful technique for dissecting astrocyte function.
Targeted manipulation of astrocytes reveals their critical contributions to brain physiology.
Further research using optogenetics promises to deepen our understanding of these essential cells.