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. (Wang, 2019)

Tools of Neuronal Activity Monitor

• Voltage indicators

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

• Calcium indicators

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.

• Synaptic vesicle release indicators: pH sensors and neurotransmitter sensors

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. (Wang, 2019)

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.

Reference

1. Wang, W., et al. Molecular tools for imaging and recording neuronal activity. Nat Chem Biol. 2019, 15(2): 101-110.

For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.