采用GCaMP活体钙成像解析神经环路调控机制的研究策略及意义

Probing Brain Neural Circuitry:New Advances in In Vivo Calcium Imaging Strategies Using GCaMP

大脑中的神经元通过集体行为建立相互连接,构成多种神经环路进而执行不同的功能。神经环路的研究方向即寻找构成各神经环路的神经元细胞,研究这些神经元是如何产生通讯互动以此构成特定的环路及环路本身在中枢神经系统行使的生命活动。众多研究已经证实,在解析生理或病理条件下神经环路调控机制过程中,通过实时监测神经元内重要生物传感器钙离子的变化可精确反映大脑组织内神经元活动。GCaMP活体钙成像方法有助于从单细胞水平揭示生理或病理状态下不同环路的调控机制。本文系统综述了GCaMP活体钙成像作为一种示踪技术在神经环路研究中的应用及进展,为神经环路和神经药理学的研究提供了参考依据。

Neurons form multiple neural circuits to perform different physiological functions in the brain through collectively building interconnections among themselves.The aim of neural circuits researching is to find out how neurons,the basic unit of each neural circuit,generate communications,thus forming a specific circuit as well as the life activities of these circuits in the central nervous system(CNS),so as to further explore how the specific behaviors such as emotion and memory arise through the interactions among the neural circuits.Numerous studies have demonstrated that real-time monitoring the changes of calcium in neurons,an important biosensor,can accurately reflect the activity of neurons in brain when investigating the regulatory mechanisms of neural circuits under physiological or pathological conditions.In vivo calcium imaging using GCaMP helps reveal the regulatory mechanisms of different circuits in both physiological and pathological states at the single-cell level.This article systematically reviewed the application and progress of GCaMP in vivo calcium imaging,as an efficient tracer technology,in the research of neural circuits,thus providing a reference for the evolution of neural circuits and neuropharmacology.