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Published on: August 26, 2020
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Genetically encoded calcium indicators to probe complex brain circuit dynamics in vivo
1Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Neuroscience Research
|June 13, 2020
Summary
Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) enable monitoring of neuronal activity. Recent advancements in protein engineering have expanded GECI technology for more complex in vivo neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) are vital tools for measuring intracellular calcium (Ca2+) dynamics.
- Single-wavelength GECIs like GCaMP have seen widespread adoption due to improved performance.
- Protein engineering has broadened the spectral range of GECIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the engineering and applications of novel GECIs.
- To discuss the future directions of GECI development for neuroscience.
- To highlight the role of GECIs in interrogating complex neural circuits.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on genetically encoded calcium indicators.
- Discussion of protein engineering strategies for GECI development.
- Analysis of GECI applications in in vivo neuroscience.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in dynamic range, sensitivity, and kinetics of GECIs.
- Development of multicolor GECIs for simultaneous optical interrogation.
- Successful application of advanced GECIs in living tissue for neuronal activity readout.
Conclusions:
- GECIs are essential for understanding neuronal and network activity.
- Ongoing protein engineering efforts continue to enhance GECI capabilities.
- Future GECI development will further advance in vivo neuroscience research.
