Document Detail


Optogenetic analysis of synaptic function.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18794862     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
We introduce optogenetic investigation of neurotransmission (OptIoN) for time-resolved and quantitative assessment of synaptic function via behavioral and electrophysiological analyses. We photo-triggered release of acetylcholine or gamma-aminobutyric acid at Caenorhabditis elegans neuromuscular junctions using targeted expression of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Channelrhodopsin-2. In intact Channelrhodopsin-2 transgenic worms, photostimulation instantly induced body elongation (for gamma-aminobutyric acid) or contraction (for acetylcholine), which we analyzed acutely, or during sustained activation with automated image analysis, to assess synaptic efficacy. In dissected worms, photostimulation evoked neurotransmitter-specific postsynaptic currents that could be triggered repeatedly and at various frequencies. Light-evoked behaviors and postsynaptic currents were significantly (P <or= 0.05) altered in mutants with pre- or postsynaptic defects, although the behavioral phenotypes did not unambiguously report on synaptic function in all cases tested. OptIoN facilitates the analysis of neurotransmission with high temporal precision, in a neurotransmitter-selective manner, possibly allowing future investigation of synaptic plasticity in C. elegans.
Authors:
Jana F Liewald; Martin Brauner; Greg J Stephens; Magali Bouhours; Christian Schultheis; Mei Zhen; Alexander Gottschalk
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2008-09-14
Journal Detail:
Title:  Nature methods     Volume:  5     ISSN:  1548-7105     ISO Abbreviation:  Nat. Methods     Publication Date:  2008 Oct 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-09-30     Completed Date:  2008-10-21     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101215604     Medline TA:  Nat Methods     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  895-902     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Biocenter N220, Frankfurt, Germany.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Acetylcholine / physiology
Animals
Animals, Genetically Modified
Caenorhabditis elegans / physiology
Carrier Proteins / genetics,  physiology
Light*
Motor Neurons / physiology
Muscle Contraction
Muscle Relaxation
Synapses / physiology*
Synaptic Transmission
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / physiology
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
P50 MH062196/MH/NIMH NIH HHS; R01 EY017241/EY/NEI NIH HHS
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Carrier Proteins; 0/channelopsin-2, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii; 51-84-3/Acetylcholine; 56-12-2/gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

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