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Enhanced genetically encoded voltage indicators advance their applications in neuroscience
Connor Beck1, Diming Zhang1, Yiyang Gong1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering
|September 1, 2020
Summary
Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) now offer ten-fold better performance for measuring neural activity. These advanced GEVIs enable high-speed, high-resolution voltage imaging in neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) are crucial tools for monitoring cellular membrane potential.
- Previous GEVIs had limitations in brightness, sensitivity, and response speed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight recent advancements in GEVIs.
- To showcase the improved performance and expanded applications of modern GEVIs.
Main Methods:
- Development and optimization of GEVIs focusing on brightness, sensitivity, and kinetics.
- Application of improved GEVIs for neural population imaging.
Main Results:
- GEVIs exhibit over ten-fold improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.
- Response times have been reduced to the sub-millisecond range.
- High-speed, cellular-resolution imaging is now feasible both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced GEVIs provide high voltage fidelity and rapid response for neuroscience.
- These advancements enable the study of rapid neural dynamics in genetically targeted populations.
- Future research will leverage GEVIs for novel investigations into voltage activity.
