Neuropixels Opto: Combining high-resolution electrophysiology and optogenetics
Anna Lakunina1, Karolina Z Socha2, Alexander Ladd3
1Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics, Seattle, WA, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|February 20, 2025
Summary
New Neuropixels Opto probes combine high-resolution neural recording with optogenetics. These advanced tools enable precise manipulation and identification of neuronal populations in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Bioengineering
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- High-resolution extracellular electrophysiology is crucial for studying neural populations.
- Optogenetics allows precise temporal control over specific cell types.
- Combining these techniques offers powerful insights into neural circuit function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate prototype Neuropixels Opto probes integrating electrophysiology and optogenetics.
- To assess the capability of these probes for simultaneous recording and stimulation in vivo.
- To demonstrate the utility of Neuropixels Opto probes in different brain regions and for cell-type identification.
Main Methods:
- Integration of electronic and photonic circuits into Neuropixels Opto probes.
- Probes feature 960 electrical recording sites and 28 light emitters (blue and red).
- In vivo testing in mouse cortex and striatum for recording, stimulation, and optotagging.
Main Results:
- High-quality neural recordings achieved alongside spatially addressable optogenetic stimulation.
- Differential activation and silencing of neurons at distinct cortical depths demonstrated.
- Efficient optotagging in deep brain structures, enabling parallel identification of two cell types.
Conclusions:
- Neuropixels Opto probes offer an unprecedented tool for neuroscience research.
- These probes facilitate simultaneous recording, identification, and manipulation of neuronal populations.
- The technology enables advanced studies of neural circuits with high spatial and temporal resolution.
