Prolonged Single Neuron Voltage Imaging in Behaving Mammals.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biotechnology
• Molecular Imaging

Background:

• Long-term recording of single-neuron membrane voltage dynamics during behavior is crucial for understanding neural circuits.
• Existing voltage indicators often suffer from signal loss or limited recording durations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a high-performance, genetically encoded voltage indicator for extended in vivo recordings.
• To demonstrate the utility of prolonged voltage imaging for studying neural plasticity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ElectraOFF, a photostable, genetically encoded fluorescence voltage indicator.
• Performed cellular-resolution imaging in behaving mice for durations up to eighty minutes.
• Assessed signal integrity across diverse neuron types and brain regions.

Main Results:

• Achieved routine cellular-resolution imaging over tens of minutes, up to eighty minutes, in behaving mice.
• Demonstrated minimal signal loss across various neuron types and brain regions.
• Observed plasticity changes during intracranial electrical neuromodulation using prolonged voltage imaging.

Conclusions:

• ElectraOFF enables unprecedented long-term voltage imaging in vivo.
• Prolonged voltage imaging provides novel insights into neural plasticity and circuit dynamics.
• This technology advances the study of brain function during behavior and neuromodulation.