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In Vivo Two-Color 2-Photon Imaging of Genetically-Tagged Reporter Cells in the Skin
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Imaging neuropeptide release at synapses with a genetically engineered reporter
Keke Ding1, Yifu Han2,3, Taylor W Seid1
1Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States.
Elife
|June 27, 2019
Summary
Scientists developed novel Neuropeptide Release Reporters (NPRRs) for real-time measurement of neuropeptide release in vivo. These genetically-encoded sensors offer high temporal resolution, advancing neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neuropeptide function research is advancing rapidly.
- Current methods lack spatio-temporal resolution for in vivo neuropeptide release measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for measuring neuropeptide release in vivo with high temporal resolution.
- To introduce genetically-encoded Neuropeptide Release Reporters (NPRRs).
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) as a model system.
- Developed and validated Neuropeptide Release Reporters (NPRRs).
- Measured stimulation-evoked neuropeptide release events via fluorescence intensity changes.
Main Results:
- NPRRs successfully recapitulate native neuropeptide trafficking and packaging.
- NPRRs report neuropeptide release events in real-time.
- Achieved sub-second temporal resolution in measuring neuropeptide release.
Conclusions:
- NPRRs provide a powerful new tool for studying neuropeptide release dynamics in vivo.
- This technology enables high-resolution investigation of neuropeptide function.
- Advances understanding of neuropeptide signaling in biological systems.
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