Publication
Title
Optogenetic manipulation of neural activity in **C. elegans** : from synapse to circuits and behavior
Author
Abstract
The emerging field of optogenetics allows for optical activation or inhibition of neurons and other tissue in the nervous system. Seven years ago optogenetic proteins were expressed in the nematode C. elegans for the first time. Since then, C. elegans has served as a powerful platform upon which to conduct optogenetic investigations of synaptic function, circuit dynamics and the neuronal basis of behavior. The C. elegans nervous system, consisting of 302 neurons, whose connectivity and morphology has been mapped completely, drives a rich repertoire of behaviors that are quantifiable by video microscopy. This model organism's compact nervous system, quantifiable behavior, genetic tractability and optical accessibility make it especially amenable to optogenetic interrogation. Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), halorhodopsin (NpHR/Halo) and other common optogenetic proteins have all been expressed in C. elegans. Moreover, recent advances leveraging molecular genetics and patterned light illumination have now made it possible to target photoactivation and inhibition to single cells and to do so in worms as they behave freely. Here we describe techniques and methods for optogenetic manipulation in C. elegans. We review recent work using optogenetics and C. elegans for neuroscience investigations at the level of synapses, circuits and behavior.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Biology of the cell. - Ivry-sur-Seine, 1981, currens
Publication
Ivry-sur-Seine : 2013
ISSN
0248-4900 [print]
1768-322X [online]
DOI
10.1111/BOC.201200069
Volume/pages
105 :6 (2013) , p. 235-250
ISI
000319969000003
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 22.04.2013
Last edited 09.10.2023
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