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Selective Viral Transduction of Adult-born Olfactory Neurons for Chronic in vivo Optogenetic Stimulation
Published on: December 28, 2011
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Properties of an optogenetic model for olfactory stimulation
Federica Genovese1, Marion Thews1, Frank Möhrlen1
1Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Centre of Organismal Studies, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
The Journal of Physiology
|February 10, 2016
Summary
This study validates an olfactory marker protein (OMP)/channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) mouse model for optogenetic olfactory research. The model enables precise light-based activation of olfactory sensory neurons for ex vivo experiments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Biology
- Optogenetics
Background:
- Stimulating olfactory sensory neurons with precise control is challenging.
- Optogenetics offers a method to activate neurons using light-gated ion channels like channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of the OMP/ChR2-YFP mouse model for ex vivo olfactory research.
- To characterize ChR2 expression and light-evoked responses in the olfactory system.
Main Methods:
- Examined ChR2 expression in olfactory sensory neurons of the main olfactory epithelium, septal organ, and vomeronasal organ.
- Recorded light-induced electro-olfactograms (EOGs) in the olfactory epithelium.
- Analyzed light-induced afferent stimulation in olfactory bulb slices.
Main Results:
- ChR2 was expressed in olfactory sensory neurons but absent from sensory cilia.
- Light stimulation parameters (intensity, duration, frequency) influenced EOG responses.
- ChR2 activation in the olfactory bulb showed specific dynamic range and low-pass filtering properties.
Conclusions:
- The OMP/ChR2-YFP mouse model is a versatile tool for ex vivo olfactory research.
- This model allows controlled optogenetic stimulation of olfactory pathways for studying sensory processing.
