Neural Circuit Imaging and Manipulation Techniques

📋 Course Outline

1. Animal models and genetic tools for neural circuit studies
2. Transgenic animal models and DNA recombinase systems
3. Viral vectors in circuit neuroscience
4. Methods for manipulating neural circuit activity: electrical stimulation, optogenetics, and chemogenetics
5. Electrophysiological methods for in-vivo neural activity measurement
6. Calcium dynamics during action potential repolarization and their significance
7. Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs): design, evolution, and variants
8. Optical methods for neural activity measurement: single-photon and two-photon fluorescence microscopy
9. Deep brain calcium imaging using microendoscopes and GRIN lenses

📖 1. Animal models and genetic tools for neural circuit studies

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Laboratory animal models : Animal species selected for research that have characteristics such as relatively small and easy-to-manipulate genomes, short generation cycles, complex behaviors, and accessible brain structures suitable for neural circuit studies.
• Behavioral paradigms : Experimental designs used to assess complex behaviors in animal models, enabling the study of neural circuit functions.
• Brain studies : Research involving the structure and function of brain regions, often requiring invasive in-vivo or ex-vivo approaches that are ethically problematic in humans, thus necessitating animal models.

📝 Essential Points