Technologies to Study Action Potential Propagation With a Focus on HD-MEAs
Vishalini Emmenegger1, Marie Engelene J Obien1,2, Felix Franke1
1Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|May 24, 2019
Summary
New methods like high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) reveal complex axonal functions beyond simple signal transmission. These tools offer high resolution for studying neuronal circuit activity and axonal pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Physiology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Axons transmit information via action potentials (APs) from the axon initial segment (AIS) to presynaptic terminals.
- Emerging evidence suggests axons perform functions beyond basic AP transmission.
- Activity-dependent modulation of spike shape and conduction velocity impacts synaptic function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent methodological advancements in understanding axon physiology.
- To highlight the potential of high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) for detailed axonal studies.
- To explore applications of HD-MEAs in investigating axonal pathologies and drug screening.
Main Methods:
- Genetically encoded voltage imaging (GEVI)
- Subcellular patch-clamp recordings
- High-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs)
Main Results:
- HD-MEAs provide robust, high-throughput, and high spatiotemporal resolution electrical readouts at the subcellular level.
- These arrays enable direct functional assessment of single cells and cellular ensembles.
- HD-MEAs are suitable for investigating axonal pathologies, genomic interventions, and compound screenings.
Conclusions:
- Recent methodological developments significantly enhance the understanding of axon physiology.
- HD-MEAs offer powerful capabilities for high-resolution axonal research.
- Combining HD-MEAs with other techniques may uncover novel axonal functions.
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