Investigating the processes that underly memory formation in the brain can be a difficult task. Conventional in vivo experiments involve millions of different cells whose processes are difficult to be isolated and singularly studied. This is where in vitro techniques can offer a controlled environment to examine the mechanisms involved in the operation of the basic circuits involved in memory (engrams).
We developed a technique that combines digital light processing (DLP) with Optogenetics to achieve precise control over neuronal activity. We were able to generate small, discrete modules of engram circuits in vitro that adhere to Hebb's postulate. By utilizing the Synactive labeling technique alongside our strategy, we were able to identify and track strengthened spines between active neurons. This enabled us to examine how a pattern of activity between neurons is established within the engram circuits, which are also known as synaptic engrams. This method can be used to create more precise experimental models of memory storage and retrieval, opening the doors to a new understanding of the processes underlying brain activity.
The Frontiers in Neurophotonics Symposium is a biennial event that brings together neurobiologists and physicists/engineers who share interest in the development of leading-edge photonics-based approaches to understand and manipulate the nervous system, from its individual molecular components to complex networks in the intact brain. In this Community paper, we highlight several topics that have been featured at the symposium that took place in October 2022 in Québec City, Canada.
In this proceeding we discuss the recent work involving our developed optogenetic tool, where we use digital light processor (DLP) as a light-stimulation source of neuronal culture and microelectrode array (MEA) system as the sampling unit. In this work we aim at developing an integrated experimental platform which should assist in the study of the structure and the function of neuronal networks. In particular, the setup proposed in this work should serve as an optogenetic tool for in-vitro experiments, controlled by a feedback from electrophysiological signals from the network to address specific neuronal circuits. In this manuscript some of the recent results from experiments involving optical stimulation and electrophysiological recording of neuronal cultures are shown. Additionally, we have developed an AI-based model which is trained according the recorded electrophysiological signals and reproduces the functionality and the macro-structure of the culture under test. The description and some preliminary results of this model are also discussed in this proceeding.
To study the brain and the related neuronal network activity, many attempts were made to design and develop platforms able to induce and record neuronal signals. However, many brain processes - like memory formation and storage - and diseases - like amnesia or epilepsy - need more basic studies. For these, a bottom-up approach is needed, starting from 2D in-vitro neuronal cultures. In this work, we will present two experimental systems able to optogenetically interact with 2D neuronal networks with patternized light. One system consists in a Digital Light Projector (DLP) integrated in a microscope setup, which can illuminate neurons from the top; the other, is a compact and transportable photonic chip, properly designed to illuminate neurons plated on its surface.
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