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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 2026

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neuronal Activity to Modulate Behavior in Freely Moving Mice
14:40

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neuronal Activity to Modulate Behavior in Freely Moving Mice

Published on: October 27, 2020

Establishing causality for dopamine in neural function and behavior with optogenetics.

Elizabeth E Steinberg1, Patricia H Janak

  • 1Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA.

Brain Research
|October 4, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Optogenetics offers precise control over dopamine neuron activity, advancing our understanding of neural function and behavior. This technique enables detailed investigation into dopamine

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Optogenetics
  • Dopamine Research

Background:

  • Dopamine (DA) plays critical roles in neural function and behavior.
  • Conventional techniques limit precise control over dopamine neuron activity patterns.
  • Understanding DA's complex roles requires advanced methods to modulate neuron activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the application of optogenetic tools in dopamine research.
  • To highlight how optogenetics can address limitations in studying dopamine neuron function.
  • To explore the potential of optogenetics for understanding neural and behavioral functions of dopamine.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing light-sensitive microbial opsins for bidirectional modulation of dopamine neuron activity.
  • Employing advances in rodent genetics and viral-mediated gene delivery for selective targeting.

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Two Different Real-Time Place Preference Paradigms Using Optogenetics within the Ventral Tegmental Area of the Mouse
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Two Different Real-Time Place Preference Paradigms Using Optogenetics within the Ventral Tegmental Area of the Mouse

Published on: February 12, 2020

Laser-scanning Photostimulation of Optogenetically Targeted Forebrain Circuits
07:43

Laser-scanning Photostimulation of Optogenetically Targeted Forebrain Circuits

Published on: December 27, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 18, 2026

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neuronal Activity to Modulate Behavior in Freely Moving Mice
14:40

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neuronal Activity to Modulate Behavior in Freely Moving Mice

Published on: October 27, 2020

Two Different Real-Time Place Preference Paradigms Using Optogenetics within the Ventral Tegmental Area of the Mouse
05:50

Two Different Real-Time Place Preference Paradigms Using Optogenetics within the Ventral Tegmental Area of the Mouse

Published on: February 12, 2020

Laser-scanning Photostimulation of Optogenetically Targeted Forebrain Circuits
07:43

Laser-scanning Photostimulation of Optogenetically Targeted Forebrain Circuits

Published on: December 27, 2013

  • Applying optogenetic tools in in vitro and in vivo preparations, including during complex behaviors.

    • Main Results:

    • Optogenetics allows for precise temporal control of dopamine neuron activity, mimicking natural neural events.
    • Selective targeting of dopamine neurons and their connections is achievable.
    • These tools are effective in experimental subjects engaged in complex behaviors.

    Conclusions:

    • Optogenetic methodologies provide powerful new approaches to investigate dopamine neuron function.
    • This technique enhances the ability to delineate dopamine's contributions to cellular, circuit, and systems-level phenomena.
    • Early applications demonstrate optogenetics' potential to significantly improve our understanding of dopamine's neural and behavioral roles.