Publication
Title
Real-time multimodal optical control of neurons and muscles in freely behaving Caenorhabditis elegans
Author
Abstract
The ability to optically excite or silence specific cells using optogenetics has become a powerful tool to interrogate the nervous system. Optogenetic experiments in small organisms have mostly been performed using whole-field illumination and genetic targeting, but these strategies do not always provide adequate cellular specificity. Targeted illumination can be a valuable alternative but it has only been shown in motionless animals without the ability to observe behavior output. We present a real-time, multimodal illumination technology that allows both tracking and recording the behavior of freely moving C. elegans while stimulating specific cells that express channelrhodopsin-2 or MAC. We used this system to optically manipulate nodes in the C. elegans touch circuit and study the roles of sensory and command neurons and the ultimate behavioral output. This technology enhances our ability to control, alter, observe and investigate how neurons, muscles and circuits ultimately produce behavior in animals using optogenetics.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Nature methods. - New York, N.Y.
Publication
New York, N.Y. : 2011
ISSN
1548-7091
DOI
10.1038/NMETH.1555
Volume/pages
8 :2 (2011) , p. 153-U78
ISI
000286654600013
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 11.03.2013
Last edited 07.02.2023
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