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A Large-Scale Interface for Optogenetic Stimulation and Recording in Nonhuman Primates.
Azadeh Yazdan-Shahmorad1, Camilo Diaz-Botia2, Timothy L Hanson1
1Department of Physiology and Center for Integrative Neuroscience, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; UC Berkeley-UCSF Center for Neural Engineering and Prostheses, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Neuron
|February 16, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a stable interface for optogenetics in primates, enabling simultaneous optical stimulation and neural recording across large cortical areas. This tool aids in studying brain circuits, plasticity, and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primate Research
- Optogenetics
Background:
- Optogenetics holds promise for linking brain function and behavior in nonhuman primates.
- Stable access for optical stimulation and concurrent neural monitoring is crucial for realizing this potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a practical and stable interface for stimulating and recording from large-scale cortical circuits.
- To enable optogenetic expression across broad cortical regions like S1 and M1.
- To facilitate the study of circuit dynamics, connectivity, and behavior.
Main Methods:
- Convection-enhanced delivery of viral vectors with MRI guidance for broad optogenetic expression.
- Custom micro-electrocorticographic (μECoG) arrays designed for minimal optical attenuation.
- Demonstration of spatiotemporal response measurement to optical stimulation across M1 and S1.
Main Results:
- Achieved stable, large-scale optogenetic expression across primary somatosensory (S1) and motor (M1) cortices.
- Successfully recorded neural activity across the targeted cortical regions using a custom μECoG array.
- Demonstrated the interface's capability to measure spatiotemporal responses to optical stimulation.
Conclusions:
- The developed interface provides a powerful tool for studying circuit dynamics and connectivity in cortical areas.
- Enables long-term studies of neuromodulation and targeted cortical plasticity.
- Facilitates linking neural circuit activity and plasticity to behavior in nonhuman primates.
