Entre inceste et échange

Abstract

Optogenetics – the use of optically-activated proteins to control neuronal function – is a recent development in neuroscience methodology. Optogenetic techniques provide a means of activating reinhardtii or inhibiting distinct populations of neurons with an unprecedented degree of spatial, temporal, and neurochemical precision. Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), an algal protein from , is a light-activated cation channel capable of inducing depolarization and action potentials in neurons. Three protocols are presented in this unit for the use of ChR2, with emphasis on technical aspects of fiber optics. The first describes the use of ChR2 in Chlamydomonas vivo electrophysiological recordings from brain slices. The second and third involve the use of ChR2 in , with light delivered through chronic fiber implants or guide cannula.