Inverse-response Ca2+ indicators for optogenetic visualization of neuronal inhibition

Sci Rep. 2018 Aug 6;8(1):11758. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-30080-x.

Abstract

We have developed a series of yellow genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators for optical imaging (Y-GECOs) with inverted responses to Ca2+ and apparent dissociation constants (Kd') ranging from 25 to 2400 nM. To demonstrate the utility of this affinity series of Ca2+ indicators, we expressed the four highest affinity variants (Kd's = 25, 63, 121, and 190 nM) in the Drosophila medulla intrinsic neuron Mi1. Hyperpolarization of Mi1 by optogenetic stimulation of the laminar monopolar neuron L1 produced a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ in layers 8-10, and a corresponding increase in Y-GECO fluorescence. These experiments revealed that lower Kd' was associated with greater increases in fluorescence, but longer delays to reach the maximum signal change due to slower off-rate kinetics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology
  • Drosophila
  • Kinetics
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Optical Imaging / methods
  • Optogenetics / methods*

Substances

  • Calcium