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MEG source imaging detects optogenetically-induced activity in cortical and subcortical networks
Gregory E Alberto1, Jennifer R Stapleton-Kotloski2,3, David C Klorig4
1Wake Forest School of Medicine; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. gregory.e.alberto@hitchcock.org.
Nature Communications
|September 7, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a new brain-mapping platform combining magnetoencephalography (MEG) and optogenetics in primates. It successfully localized deep brain activity with high resolution, enabling causal network exploration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Brain Mapping
- Optogenetics
- Magnetoencephalography
Background:
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG) offers high temporal resolution for measuring brain activity.
- Current functional brain mapping techniques have limitations in spatial resolution and causal inference.
- Optogenetics allows precise control over neural activity but requires integration with non-invasive imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an experimental platform combining MEG-compatible optogenetics in nonhuman primates.
- To achieve high-resolution functional brain mapping by localizing optogenetically evoked neural signals.
- To explore causal relationships between discrete brain regions using precise optogenetic stimulation and whole-brain MEG recording.
Main Methods:
- Development of an experimental platform integrating optogenetic techniques with magnetoencephalography (MEG) in nonhuman primates.
- Optogenetic stimulation of specific brain regions.
- High-resolution magnetic source imaging (MSI) to localize evoked neuromagnetic activity.
Main Results:
- Successful localization of optogenetically evoked signals to known cortical (arcuate sulcus) and hippocampal (CA3) sources with a resolution of 750 µm³.
- Detection of neural activation in subcortical, thalamic, and extended temporal structures.
- Demonstration of high-resolution localization of experimentally induced deep brain sources within an intact brain.
Conclusions:
- The combined MEG and optogenetic platform enables high-resolution functional brain mapping in nonhuman primates.
- This approach allows for the precise localization of deep brain activity evoked by optogenetic stimulation.
- The platform is suitable for investigating causal links within neural networks through controlled stimulation and whole-brain recording.
