Laser System for Optogenetic Stimulation for the Subcellular In-vestigation of neural Networks
The young research field of optogenetics focuses on the highly specific investigation and control of cell characteristics like signaling. Cells, e.g. neurons, are genetically altered to express light-gated ion channels in the cell membrane, which allow for the control of the cell´s electrical activity by optical means. This offers the opportunity for experiments with higher spatial resolution and specificity compared to electrical stimulation, which is most commonly used. As of today, many experiments on larger samples such as neural networks in vivo often lose this spatial specificity by simply illuminating the whole cell culture. In cooperation with the Busskamp Group of TU Dresden, new experiments on induced human stem-cell-derived neural networks will be conducted in this upcoming project using holographically shaped illumination.
One of the aims of this project is to analyze the time-dependent structure and plasticity of said neural networks by simultaneously exciting and inhibiting multiple cells at different locations. Experiments employing excitation only in planar random networks are currently under way and will be followed by similar studies in structured networks with defined pre- and postsynaptic neurons. Further experiments will aim at targeted subcellular stimulation and inhibition of single neurons processes, e.g. to elucidate the signal summation and to create an “excitation map”.
Staff: F. Schmieder
Period: 12/18 - 11/21
Partner: Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dr. R. Habibey, Dr. V. Busskamp
Holographic illumination setup for single cell stimulation
F. Schmieder, S. D. Klapper, N. Koukourakis, V. Busskamp, J. Czarske, "Optogenetic Stimulation of Human Neural Networks Using Fast Ferroelectric Spatial Light Modulator-Based Holographic Illumination", Applied Sciences 8, Special Issue Applications of Digital Holographic Microscopy, 2018
F. Schmieder, M. Henning, L. Büttner, S. Klapper, K. Lenk, V. Busskamp, J. Czarske, “Targeted optogenetic investigation of in vitro human iPSC-derived neuronal networks”, SPIE Photonics West, 27.01.-01.02.2018, San Francisco, USA
Scheme for network and plasticity analysis in planar random and structured neural networks.
F. Schmieder, L. Büttner, J.W. Czarske, S.D. Klapper, V. Busskamp „ Analysis of connectivity of in vitro human iPSC-derived neuronal networks using holographic illumination”, SPIE Photonics Europe, 22.-26.04.2018, Strasbourg, France