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Updated: May 6, 2026
Author Spotlight: Comparative Imaging of Neural Activity in Awake and Freely Moving States
Published on: January 19, 2024
Imaging neuronal populations in behaving rodents: paradigms for studying neural circuits underlying behavior in the
Jerry L Chen1, Mark L Andermann, Tara Keck
1Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland CH-8057, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom, Janelia Farm Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, and Clark Center for Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305.
Abstract:
Understanding the neural correlates of behavior in the mammalian cortex requires measurements of activity in awake, behaving animals. Rodents have emerged as a powerful model for dissecting the cortical circuits underlying behavior attributable to the convergence of several methods. Genetically encoded calcium indicators combined with viral-mediated or transgenic tools enable chronic monitoring of calcium signals in neuronal populations and subcellular structures of identified cell types. Stable one- and two-photon imaging of neuronal activity in awake, behaving animals is now possible using new behavioral paradigms in head-fixed animals, or using novel miniature head-mounted microscopes in freely moving animals. This mini-symposium will highlight recent applications of these methods for studying sensorimotor integration, decision making, learning, and memory in cortical and subcortical brain areas. We will outline future prospects and challenges for identifying the neural underpinnings of task-dependent behavior using cellular imaging in rodents.
