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Dopamine Neuron-Specific Optogenetic Stimulation in Rhesus Macaques.
William R Stauffer1, Armin Lak1, Aimei Yang2
1Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK.
Cell
|September 10, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a new optogenetic method for precisely targeting dopamine neurons in Rhesus monkeys. This technique enables the study of dopamine
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Optogenetics
- Primate Research
Background:
- Optogenetics in mice links specific neurons to brain functions.
- Cell-type-specific optogenetics is lacking in non-human primates.
- Monkeys offer greater behavioral complexity and human anatomical similarity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a resource for cell-type-specific channelrhodopsin expression in Rhesus monkeys.
- To modulate dopamine activity and choice behavior using optogenetics.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of selective neuronal stimulation in primates.
Main Methods:
- Developed viral vectors for cell-type-specific channelrhodopsin expression in Rhesus monkeys.
- Utilized optogenetic stimulation to modulate dopamine neuron activity.
- Assessed neuronal and behavioral responses to optical stimulation and reward.
Main Results:
- Two viral vectors achieved >95% specificity in labeling dopamine neurons.
- Infected neurons showed functional expression, activated by light pulses.
- Optical stimulation enhanced learning of reward-predicting stimuli at neuronal and behavioral levels.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated effective and selective optogenetic stimulation of dopamine neurons in non-human primates.
- Presented a valuable resource for cell-type-specific neuroscience research in monkeys.
- This approach can be extended to other cell types in the primate brain.
