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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
Author Spotlight: Unraveling Neural Communication and Circuit Interactions in Health and Disease
Published on: November 21, 2024
A real-time all-optical interface for dynamic perturbation of neural activity during behavior
Zihui Zhang1, Patrycja Dzialecka2, Lloyd E Russell3
1Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
We created an automated system for neuroscience research that uses real-time brain activity to guide experiments. This allows for precise manipulation of neural circuits in mice during decision-making tasks.
Area of Science:
- Systems neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Optogenetics
Background:
- Understanding neural circuits requires precise manipulation and real-time monitoring of neuronal activity.
- Current methods for all-optical experiments can be complex and time-consuming to set up.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an automated strategy for implementing closed-loop, all-optical experiments in systems neuroscience.
- To enable real-time manipulation of neural circuits guided by neural activity readouts.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a rapid online calcium imaging analysis package for neural activity readout.
- Development of a custom hologram generation program for targeted two-photon optogenetic stimulation.
- Software modules for automating complex all-optical experimental procedures.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated automatic detection and recruitment of neurons into photostimulation ensembles.
- Successfully implemented closed-loop photoinhibition following rapid functional mapping of cortical neurons.
- Showcased targeted activation guided by real-time activity patterns in neuronal ensembles during decision-making.
Conclusions:
- The developed system enables automated, closed-loop control of neural circuits in behaving mice.
- This strategy significantly advances the ability to perform sophisticated all-optical experiments in systems neuroscience.
- Facilitates real-time investigation of neural ensemble dynamics during complex behaviors like decision-making.
