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Neuronal Activity Monitor Services
Overview of Neuronal Activity Monitor
One of the most formidable problems in neuroscience is to understand the relationship between neural activity and behavior. Behaviors are typically produced by activity in large numbers of neurons, which are often spread widely throughout the brain and spinal cord (as well as in the periphery). The patterns of neural activity during behavior have been the subject of intense study with invasive recording techniques. Systems neuroscience has experienced a revolution in the development of novel tools for imaging and recording neuronal activity in animals. These genetically encoded tools for monitoring neuronal activity capitalize upon the sequences of molecular events following neuronal activation. Each of these tools takes different approaches to capture neural activity and thus have their own unique challenges.
Fig.1 Schematic of molecular processes underlying neuronal activation.1
Tools of Neuronal Activity Monitor
- Voltage indicators
- Calcium indicators
- Synaptic vesicle release indicators: pH sensors and neurotransmitter sensors
The very first step in action potential (AP) generation is membrane depolarization, and hence indicators of neuronal voltage provide the truest readout of neuronal activity. The best voltage indicators can resolve high-frequency APs and detect subthreshold electrical activity and hyperpolarization
Because APs reliably lead to rises in intracellular calcium, calcium imaging provides a good correlate of neural activity. Calcium indicators are evaluated by their sensitivity (large change in fluorescence attributes, or ΔF/F) and speed (desired response time is <100 ms), but other factors such as brightness, wavelength, photostability, and toxicity matter for in vivo applications as well.
pH and neurotransmitter indicators have also been developed for allowing real-time imaging of different stages of neuronal activation. The ability to sense synaptic vesicle release could enable monitoring of presynaptic activity within intact neuronal circuitry. For faithful detection of neuronal activity, these synaptic vesicle release indicators must exhibit high specificity and sensitivity, fast kinetics, good photostability, and proper targeting to synapses.
Fig.2 Schematics of genetically encoded pH and neurotransmitter indicators.1
Creative Biolabs is an industry-leading basic neuroscience assay services provider with a great reputation. We are professional at neuroscience and has established a comprehensive technology platform. The neuronal activity monitor service is one of the mature services our platform provides. With strong foundations, rich experience, and excellent specialists, the quality of our services is undoubted. If you are looking for assistance on neuronal activity monitor services, or you are interested in other neuroscience assays, please feel free to contact us for more information.
Services at Creative Biolabs
Our services offer cutting-edge technology and expertise for monitoring and analyzing the activity of neurons in vitro. Using advanced imaging techniques and high-resolution microscopy, we provide real-time data on the firing patterns and communication between neurons in a controlled environment.
Our services include:
- Neuronal culture preparation: We can assist in preparing and optimizing neuronal cultures for monitoring neuronal activity. Our team of experts will guide you through the process of culturing and maintaining neurons in vitro.
- Multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings: We utilize MEA technology to record the electrical activity of multiple neurons simultaneously. This allows for high-throughput screening of neuronal activity and analysis of network behavior.
- Neuron calcium imaging: We offer calcium imaging services to monitor changes in intracellular calcium levels, which can provide valuable insights into neuronal activity and signaling mechanisms.
- Optogenetics: Our team is experienced in using optogenetic techniques to manipulate the activity of neurons and study the effects on neuronal networks. We can assist in designing and implementing optogenetic experiments tailored to your research needs.
Whether you are studying basic neural function, investigating neurodegenerative diseases, or screening potential drug candidates, we can support your research with state-of-the-art technology and expertise in neuronal activity monitoring. We also offer flexibility in our services, including but not limited to:
| Services | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Custom CNS Disease Modeling | Our platform can offer reliable custom CNS disease modeling services including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease models, Huntington's disease models, and Parkinson's disease models. |
| Optogenetic Actuators | We offer the search for novel Optogenetic Actuators and genetic alterations to existing actuators, which enable precise optical control of single-cell activity with high temporal resolution. |
| STEMOD™ Advanced Drug Discovery | Our platform has advanced neuroscience ex vivo models, neuroscience assay techniques, and neuroscience research tools. These technologies will cover every important stage of CNS drug discovery, resulting in a one-stop shop for our customers. |
Published Data
Understanding the neural basis of complex behavior in Hymenoptera is limited by the lack of tools that can simultaneously measure neuronal activity in different brain regions. Therefore, Julie Carcaud et al. developed the first pan-neuronal genetic driver in a Hymenoptera model organism, the honeybee, and expressed the calcium indicator GCaMP6f under the control of the honeybee synaptic protein promoter.
They characterized the expression pattern of GCaMP6f in the honeybee brain and assessed its potential as a functional tool by recording neural activity after olfactory stimulation. It was shown that GCaMP6f expression allows the recording of olfactory responses from multiple brain regions after opening the brain capsule. By using a set of well-characterized odor control panels, the results showed that the recorded signals revealed robust odor coding rules.
This study opens new possibilities for neurobehavioral studies in honeybees to investigate the neural basis of advanced social behaviors and cognitive skills.
Fig. 3 Neural activity in the whole brain of the honey bee.2
Applications
Our platform allows researchers to study neuronal activity in real-time, enabling them to track how neurons respond to different stimuli, drugs, or genetic manipulations. This information is crucial for understanding the development, maturation, and function of neurons, as well as for investigating neurological disorders and potential treatments.
Our neuronal activity monitor services offer a range of capabilities, including:
- High-throughput recording: Our services are capable of simultaneously recording the activity of multiple neurons over extended periods, allowing for robust and reliable data collection.
- Drug discovery and development: Our monitoring services can be used to screen potential new drugs for their effects on neuronal activity.
- Neurological disease research: Our services can help researchers study the underlying mechanisms of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and epilepsy.
- Neurobiology research: Our services are valuable in basic research studies exploring the fundamental principles of neuronal communication and network activity.
Our expertise in biotechnology and neuroscience makes us a trusted partner for those looking to advance their research in understanding the nervous system.
FAQs
Q: What types of models can you use for monitoring neuronal activity?
A: We can monitor neuronal activity in a variety of models, including in vitro cell cultures, brain slices, and in vivo animal models. In vitro models such as primary neurons or stem cell-derived neurons allow for controlled studies of cellular mechanisms. Brain slice preparations offer insights into intact neural circuits. For in vivo studies, we can monitor neuronal activity in rodents using techniques such as electrophysiology and calcium imaging. This versatility enables us to support diverse research applications, from basic neuroscience to translational studies.
Q: How long does it typically take to complete a neuronal activity monitoring project?
A: The duration of a neuronal activity monitoring project can vary depending on the complexity of the study, the specific techniques employed, and the experimental design. On average, most projects are completed within 4 to 8 weeks. This timeframe includes initial consultation and planning, experimental setup, data collection, and analysis. For more complex or large-scale studies, additional time may be required. We strive to provide clear timelines and regular updates throughout the project to ensure timely completion.
Q: Can your services help in identifying specific neuronal activity patterns associated with neurological diseases?
A: Yes, our neuronal activity monitoring services are highly effective in identifying specific neuronal activity patterns associated with neurological diseases. By comparing activity in disease models with healthy controls, we can identify alterations in neuronal firing, connectivity, and network dynamics that are indicative of pathological conditions. Our advanced techniques allow us to detect subtle changes in neuronal activity that may be linked to disease mechanisms. This information can be crucial for understanding disease progression and for developing targeted therapeutic interventions.
Q: What kind of support and consultation do you offer during and after the neuronal activity monitoring project?
A: We offer comprehensive support and consultation throughout the duration of your neuronal activity monitoring project. Our team is available for regular updates, troubleshooting, and answering any questions you may have. After the project is completed, we provide detailed reports and are available for follow-up consultations to discuss the results and their implications. We can also offer guidance on future experiments or additional analyses based on the findings. Our goal is to ensure that you have all the necessary support to maximize the impact of your research.
Scientific Resources
References
- Wang, W., et al. Molecular tools for imaging and recording neuronal activity. Nat Chem Biol. 2019, 15(2): 101-110.
- Carcaud, Julie, et al. "Multisite imaging of neural activity using a genetically encoded calcium sensor in the honey bee." PLoS Biology 21.1 (2023): e3001984.
For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.