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Updated: May 24, 2026

In vivo Neuronal Calcium Imaging in C. elegans

In vivo Neuronal Calcium Imaging in C. elegans

Published on: April 10, 2013

Neural activity imaging with genetically encoded calcium indicators.

Lin Tian¹, Jasper Akerboom, Eric R Schreiter

¹Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Farm Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA. lintian@ucdavis.edu

Progress in Brain Research

|February 21, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

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Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) enable real-time cellular activity measurement. Recent protein engineering advances offer improved GECIs for neuroscience, with guidelines for selecting tools for imaging in behaving animals.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Molecular Biology
Biotechnology

Background:

Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) combined with advanced microscopy enable real-time, cellular-resolution monitoring of neural activity.
Recent breakthroughs in protein engineering have led to the development of superior GECIs, expanding possibilities in neuroscience research.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advancements in the design, optimization, and characterization of GECIs.
To offer guidance on selecting the most suitable GECI for specific biological applications.
To address the particular challenges of using GECIs for imaging in behaving animals.

Main Methods:

Summarizing progress in GECI development through protein engineering.
Characterizing the performance of novel GECIs.

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In vivo Neuronal Calcium Imaging in C. elegans

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Published on: April 10, 2013

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Analyzing the specific requirements for imaging neural activity in freely moving subjects.

Main Results:

Several high-performance GECIs have been engineered, enhancing the capabilities for monitoring neural circuit dynamics.
Established criteria and considerations for choosing GECIs based on experimental needs.
Identified key challenges and potential solutions for in vivo imaging of neural populations in behaving organisms.

Conclusions:

Advanced GECIs are powerful tools for neuroscience, offering unprecedented insights into neural function.
Careful selection of GECIs is crucial for successful experimental outcomes, particularly in complex in vivo settings.
Ongoing development in GECI technology continues to drive innovation in understanding brain activity.