Wir danken Frau Tess J. Lameyer, Frau Ruth Frank und Dr. Michael A. Muniak für die Bearbeitungen und Kommentare und Dr. Ryohei Yasuda von Max Planck Florida für 2pFLIM Akquisitionssoftware. Diese Arbeit wurde unterstützt durch zwei BRAIN Initiative Auszeichnungen U01NS094247 (H.Z. und T.M.) und R01NS104944 (H.Z. und T.M.), ein R01 Stipendium R01NS081071 (T.M.) und ein R21 Grant R21NS097856 (H.Z.). Alle Auszeichnungen stammen vom National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, USA.

<ol>
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Dieses Protokoll demonstriert die Verwendung des FRET-FLIM-Sensors tAKAR, um neuromodulationsgesteuerte PKA-Aktivität bei kopffixierten Verhaltensmäusen zu visualisieren. Diese Anwendung basiert auf umfangreichen Tests und Charakterisierungen von tAKAR in vitro und in vivo, um zu zeigen, dass das erhaltene FLIM-Signal für physiologische neuromodulatorische Ereignisse relevant ist17. Hier wird eine In-vivo-Anwendung, die bewegungsinduzierte PKA-Aktivität im motorischen Kortex, verwendet, um die...

Neuromodulation, auch bekannt als langsame synaptische Übertragung, erzwingt eine starke Kontrolle über die Gehirnfunktion während verschiedener Verhaltenszustände, wie Stress, Erregung, Aufmerksamkeit, und Fortbewegung1,2,3, 4. Trotz seiner Bedeutung steckt die Untersuchung, wann und wo neuromodulatorische Ereignisse stattfinden, noch in den Kinderschuhen. Neuromodulatoren, einschließlich Acetylcholin, Dopamin, Noradrenalin, Serotonin und viele Neuropeptide, aktivieren G-Protein-gekoppelte Rezeptoren (GPCRs), die wiederum intrazelluläre zweite Botenwege mit einem breiten Zeitskala-Spektrum auslösen von Sekunden bis Stunden. Während jeder Neuromodulator eine reihe von Signalereignissen auslöst, ist der cAMP/Proteinkinase A (PKA) Signalweg ein gemeinsamer downstreamer Weg für viele Neuromodulatoren1,5. Der cAMP/PKA-Signalweg reguliert die neuronale Erregbarkeit, synaptische Übertragung und Plastizität6,7,8,9, und stimmt daher die neuronale Netzwerkdynamik an. Da verschiedene Neuronen oder neuronale Typen unterschiedliche Typen oder Ebenen von Neuromodulatorrezeptorrezeptoren10ausdrücken, können die intrazellulären Wirkungen desselben extrazellulären Neuromodulators über verschiedene Neuronen hinweg heterogen sein und müssen daher mit zellulärer Auflösung untersucht. Bis heute, Es bleibt schwierig, neuromodulatorische Ereignisse in einzelnen Neuronen in vivo während des Verhaltens zu überwachen.
Um die raumzeitliche Dynamik der Neuromodulation zu untersuchen, ist eine geeignete Aufzeichnungsmodalität erforderlich. Mikrodialyse und schnell-scanzyklische Voltammetrie werden häufig verwendet, um die Freisetzung von Neuromodulatoren zu untersuchen, aber sie haben keine räumliche Auflösung, um zelluläre Ereignisse zu überwachen11,12. Analog zu Kalzium-Dynamik als Proxy für neuronale elektrische Aktivität in der Population Bildgebung verwendet werden13,PKA-Bildgebung kann verwendet werden, um neuromodulatorische Ereignisse über eine neuronale Bevölkerung bei zellulärer Auflösung auszulesen. Das vorliegende Protokoll beschreibt die Verwendung eines verbesserten A-Kinase-Aktivitätsreporters (AKAR), um PKA-Aktivitäten in vivo während des Verhaltens von Tieren zu überwachen. Die hier beschriebene Methode ermöglicht die gleichzeitige Bildgebung neuronaler Populationen mit subzellulärer Auflösung mit einer zeitlichen Auflösung, die physiologische neuromodulatorische Ereignisse nachverfolgt.
AKARs bestehen aus einem Spender und einem Akzeptor fluoreszierenden Proteinen, die durch ein PKA-Phosphorylierungssubstratpeptid und eine Gabelkopf-assoziierte Domäne (FHA) miteinander verbunden sind, die an das phosphorylierte Serin oder Threonin des Substrats14,15bindet. Bei Aktivierung des PKA-Signalwegs wird das Substratpeptid von AKAR phosphoryliert. Dadurch bindet die FHA-Domäne an das phosphorylierte Substratpeptid und bringt so die beiden Fluorophore in die Nähe, die als geschlossener Zustand von AKAR bezeichnet werden. Der geschlossene Zustand eines phosphorylierten AKAR führt zu einer erhöhten Förster-Resonanzenergieübertragung (FRET) zwischen Spender und Akzeptorfluorophoren. Da der Anteil der phosphorylierten AKARs mit dem Niveau der PKA-Aktivität16zusammenhängt, kann die Menge an FRET in einer biologischen Probe verwendet werden, um das Niveau der PKA-Aktivität16,17,18, 19,20.
Frühe Versionen von AKARs wurden in erster Linie für zweifarbige ratiometrische Bildgebung14entwickelt. Bei der Tieferung der Bildgebung in das Hirngewebe leidet die ratiometrische Methode unter Signalverzerrungen durch wellenlängenabhängige Lichtstreuung17,18,21. Wie unten erläutert, beseitigt die Fluoreszenz-Lebensdauer-Bildgebungsmikroskopie (FLIM) dieses Problem, da FLIM nur Photonen misst, die vom Spenderfluorophor18,21emittiert werden. Daher ist die FLIM-Quantifizierung von FRET nicht von der Gewebetiefe17betroffen. Darüber hinaus kann eine "dunkle" (d.h. niedrige Quantenausbeute [QY]) Variante des Akzeptorfluorophors verwendet werden. Dies befreit einen Farbkanal, um die Multiplexmessung orthogonaler neuronaler Eigenschaften durch gleichzeitige Abbildung eines zweiten Sensors oder eines morphologischen Markers17,19,20zu erleichtern.
FLIM Imaging quantifiziert die Zeit, die ein Fluorophor im angeregten Zustand verbringt, d.h. die Fluoreszenzlebensdauer18. Die Rückkehr eines Fluorophors in den Bodenzustand, also das Ende des aufgeregten Zustandes, koncomitiert oft mit der Emission eines Photons. Obwohl die Emission eines Photons für ein einzelnes angeregtes Molekül stochastisch ist, ist in einer Population die mittlere Fluoreszenzlebensdauer ein Merkmal dieses bestimmten Fluorophors. Wenn eine reine Population von Fluorophoren gleichzeitig angeregt wird, folgt die resultierende Fluoreszenz einem einzigen exponentiellen Zerfall. Die Zeitkonstante dieses exponentiellen Zerfalls entspricht der mittleren Fluoreszenzlebensdauer, die bei fluoreszierenden Proteinen in der Regel zwischen einer und vier Nanosekunden liegt. Die Rückkehr eines angeregten Spenderfluorophors in den Bodenzustand kann auch durch FRET erfolgen. In Gegenwart von FRET wird die Fluoreszenzlebensdauer des Spenderfluorophors reduziert. Die nichtphosphorylierten AKARs weisen eine relativ längere Spenderfluoreszenzlebensdauer auf. Nach der Phosphorylierung durch PKA weist der Sensor eine kürzere Lebensdauer auf, da Spender- und Akzeptorfluorophore nahe beieinander gebracht werden und FRET erhöht wird. Die Quantifizierung der Fluoreszenzlebensdauer in einer Population von AKARs stellt daher das Niveau der PKA-Aktivität dar.
Frühe Versionen von AKARs wurden nicht erfolgreich für die In-vivo-Bildgebung bei einzelliger Auflösung eingesetzt. Dies ist vor allem auf die geringe Signalamplitude der AKAR-Sensoren zu physiologischen Aktivierungen17zurückzuführen. Kürzlich wurde durch den systematischen Vergleich verfügbarer AKAR-Sensoren für die zweiphotonenfluoreszenzspezifische Mikroskopie (2pFLIM) ein Sensor namens FLIM-AKAR gefunden, der alternative Sensoren übertrifft. Darüber hinaus wurde eine Reihe von FLIM-AKAR-Varianten, die als gezielte AKARs (tAKARs) bezeichnet werden, entwickelt, um die PKA-Aktivität an bestimmten subzellulären Standorten zu visualisieren: Mikrotubuli (tAKAR), Cytosol (tAKAR), Actin (tAKAR), fadenförmiges Actin (tAKAR), Membran (tAKAR), postsynaptische Dichte (tAKAR). Bei den tAKARs erhöhte tAKAR die Signalamplitude, die durch Noradrenalin ausgelöst wurde, um das 2,7-fache. Dies steht im Einklang mit dem Wissen, dass die Mehrheit der PKA in Neuronen in Mikrotubuli im Ruhezustand verankert sind22,23. tAKAR war der beste Performer unter den bestehenden AKARs für 2pFLIM. Darüber hinaus erkannte tAKAR-Funktion physiologisch relevante PKA-Aktivität, die von mehreren Neuromodulatoren ausgelöst wurde, und die Expression von tAKAR-Funktion verändert enden keine neuronalen Funktionen17.
Kürzlich wurde tAKAR- erfolgreich eingesetzt, um PKA-Aktivitäten bei kopffixierten Benahmemäusen17zu visualisieren. Es wurde gezeigt, dass erzwungene Fortbewegung DIE PKA-Aktivität im Soma der oberflächlichen Schichtneuronen (Schicht 1 bis 3, bis zu einer Tiefe von 300 m von Pia) im Motor, Fass und visuellen Kortiken auslöste. Die durch Fortbewegung ausgelöste PKA-Aktivität war zum Teil von der Signalisierung über adrenerge Rezeptoren und D1-Dopamin-Rezeptoren abhängig, wurde aber nicht von einem D2-Dopamin-Rezeptor-Antagonisten beeinflusst. Diese Arbeit veranschaulicht die Fähigkeit von tAKARs, Neuromodulationsereignisse in vivo mit 2pFLIM zu verfolgen.
Im aktuellen Protokoll wird die gesamte Methode zur PKA-Aktivitätsbildgebung bei kopffesten Wachmäusen während eines erzwungenen Fortbewegungsparadigmas in sechs Schritten beschrieben. Erstens, die Hinzufügung von 2pFLIM-Fähigkeiten zu einem herkömmlichen Zwei-Photon-Mikroskop (Abbildung 1). Zweitens der Bau eines motorisierten Laufbandes (Abbildung 2). Drittens, die Expression des tAKAR-Sensors im Mauskortex durch Utero-Elektroporation (IUE) von DNA-Plasmiden oder stereotaxic-Injektion des Adeno-assoziierten Virus (AAV). Ausgezeichnete Protokolle für Operationen für IUE24,25 und stereotaxic Injektion von Viruspartikeln26 wurden bereits veröffentlicht. Die wichtigsten Parameter, die wir verwendet haben, werden unten beschrieben. Forth, die Installation eines Schädelfensters. Ausgezeichnete Protokolle wurden bereits für die Schädelfensterchirurgie veröffentlicht27,28. Es werden mehrere Schritte beschrieben, die aus den Standardprotokollen geändert wurden. Fünftens, Durchführung in vivo 2pFLIM. Sechstens, die Analysen von 2pFLIM-Bildern (Abbildung 3 und Abbildung 4). Dieser Ansatz sollte leicht auf viele andere kopffixierte Verhaltensparadigmen und Gehirnbereiche anwendbar sein.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>0.2 &#956;m cellulose acetate syringe filter</td>
			<td>Nalgene</td>
			<td>190-2520</td>
			<td>Step 3.2.2.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>16x 0.8 NA water-immersion objective</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td>MRP07220</td>
			<td>Step 5.5.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3-pin cable</td>
			<td>US digital</td>
			<td>CA-MIC3-SH-NC</td>
			<td>Step 2.5. To connect rotation sensor to the DAQ input of the microscope</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aluminum bread board</td>
			<td>Thorlabs</td>
			<td>MB1012</td>
			<td>Step 2.5.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AnimalTracker MATLAB software</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Step 2.5 and sections 5 - 6. Will be provided upon request to the lead author</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Band-pass barrier filter</td>
			<td>Chroma</td>
			<td>ET500-40m</td>
			<td>Step 1.4.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cage plate</td>
			<td>Thorlabs</td>
			<td>CP01</td>
			<td>Step 2.4. Used as mount for rotation sensor</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carbon steel burrs for micro drill, 0.5 mm tip diameter</td>
			<td>FST</td>
			<td>19007-05</td>
			<td>Steps 3.2.3. and 4.4.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Circular coverslip (5mm diameter)</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>101413-528</td>
			<td>Step 4.5.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Custom-made injection needle holder</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Step 3.2.4. Technical details provided upon request to the lead author</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dental acrylic</td>
			<td>Yates Motloid</td>
			<td>44114</td>
			<td>Steps 4.3. and 4.5.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dental drill; Microtorque ii</td>
			<td>Ram products</td>
			<td>66699</td>
			<td>Steps 3.2.3. and 4.4.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dowsil transparent polymer</td>
			<td>The Dow Chemical Company</td>
			<td>3-4680</td>
			<td>Step 4.5. Artificial dura</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electroporation electrode</td>
			<td>Bex</td>
			<td>LF650P5</td>
			<td>Step 3.1.4.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electroporator</td>
			<td>Bex</td>
			<td>CUY21</td>
			<td>Step 3.1.4.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fast green FCF</td>
			<td>Sigma-aldrich</td>
			<td>F7258-25G</td>
			<td>Step 3.1.1.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>FLIMimage MATLAB software</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Section 5. Kindly provided by Dr. Ryohei Yasuda, Max Planck Florida</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>FLIMview MATLAB software</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Sections 5. and 6. Will be provided upon request to the lead author</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Foam-compatible glue (Gorilla White Glue)</td>
			<td>Gorilla</td>
			<td>5201204</td>
			<td>Step 2.3.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Headplate</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Step 4.3. Technical details provided upon request to the lead author</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Headplate holder</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Step 2.6. Technical details provided upon request lead author, used in combination with mounting post bracket and right-angled bracket</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hydraulic micromanipulator</td>
			<td>Narishige</td>
			<td>MO-10</td>
			<td>Step 3.2.4.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Krazy glue</td>
			<td>Krazy glue</td>
			<td>KG82648R</td>
			<td>Step 4.3. Cyanoacrylate-based glue</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Low-noise fast photomultiplier tube</td>
			<td>Hamamatsu</td>
			<td>H7422PA-40 or H10769PA-40</td>
			<td>Step 1.3.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MATLAB 2012b</td>
			<td>Mathworks</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Steps 2.6, and sections 5, and 6. Used to run microscope acquisition and data analysis software</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Motor</td>
			<td>Zhengke</td>
			<td>ZGA37RG</td>
			<td>Step 2.4.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Motor speed controller</td>
			<td>Elenker</td>
			<td>EK-G00015A1-1</td>
			<td>Step 2.5.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Motorized micromanipulator</td>
			<td>Sutter</td>
			<td>MP-285</td>
			<td>Step 3.2.4.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mounting base</td>
			<td>Thorlabs</td>
			<td>BA1S</td>
			<td>Step 2.5. Used for posts for motor and sensor in combination with PH4 and TR2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mounting post</td>
			<td>Thorlabs</td>
			<td>P14</td>
			<td>Step 2.6. Used for headplate holder post in combination with PB2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mounting post base</td>
			<td>Thorlabs</td>
			<td>PB2</td>
			<td>Step 2.6. Used for headplate holder post in combination with P14</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mounting post bracket</td>
			<td>Thorlabs</td>
			<td>C1515</td>
			<td>Step 2.6. Used in combination with right-angle bracket and headplate holder</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Optical post</td>
			<td>Thorlabs</td>
			<td>TR2</td>
			<td>Step 2.5. Used for posts for motor and sensor in combination with BA1S and PH4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate-buffered saline</td>
			<td>&#925;/&#913;</td>
			<td>&#925;/&#913;</td>
			<td>Step 3.2.2. Protocol: Cold Spring Harbor Protocols 2006, doi: 10.1101/pbd.rec8247</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Photodiode</td>
			<td>Thorlabs</td>
			<td>FDS010</td>
			<td>Step 1.2.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Photon timing counting module</td>
			<td>Becker and Hickl</td>
			<td>SPC-150</td>
			<td>Step 1.1.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plasmid: tAKAR&#945; (CAG-tAKAR&#945;-WPRE)</td>
			<td>Addgene</td>
			<td>119913</td>
			<td>Step 3.1.3.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Post holder</td>
			<td>Thorlabs</td>
			<td>PH4</td>
			<td>Step 2.5. Used for posts for motor and sensor in combination with BA1S and TR2</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Right-angle bracket</td>
			<td>Thorlabs</td>
			<td>AB90</td>
			<td>Step 2.6 Used in combination with mounting post bracket and headplate holder</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rotation sensor</td>
			<td>US digital</td>
			<td>MA3-A10-250-N</td>
			<td>Step 2.4.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rubber mat</td>
			<td>Rubber-Cal</td>
			<td>B01DCR5LUG</td>
			<td>Step 2.1.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Shaft coupling (1/4 inch x 1/4 inch)</td>
			<td>McMaster</td>
			<td>6208K433</td>
			<td>Steps 2.3. and 2.4.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ScanImage 3.6</td>
			<td>Svoboda Lab/Vidrio Technology</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Steps 5.9. and 6.1.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Signal splitter</td>
			<td>Becker and Hickl</td>
			<td>HPM-CON-02</td>
			<td>Step 1.3.1.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stainless steel axle (diameter 1/4 inch, L = 12 inch)</td>
			<td>McMaster</td>
			<td>1327K66</td>
			<td>Step 2.3.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stereotaxic alignment systsem</td>
			<td>David kopf</td>
			<td>1900</td>
			<td>Steps 3.2. and 4.1. modified; Sutter micromanipulator, custom-made injection needle holder, hydraulic micromanipulator</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Two-photon microscope</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Section 5. Built based on Modular in vivo multiphoton microscopy system (MIMMS) from HHMI Janelia Research Campus (https://www.janelia.org/open-science/mimms)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vetbond tissue adhesive</td>
			<td>3M</td>
			<td>14006</td>
			<td>Step 3.2.6.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Virus: tAKAR&#945; (AAV2/1 hSyn-tAKAR&#945;-WPRE)</td>
			<td>Addgene</td>
			<td>119921</td>
			<td>Step 3.2.2.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>White PE foam roller (8 x 12 inch)</td>
			<td>Fabrication enterprises INC.</td>
			<td>30-2261</td>
			<td>Step 2.1.1.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>White polystyrene fom ball halves</td>
			<td>GrahamSweet</td>
			<td>200mm diameter 2 hollow halves</td>
			<td>Step 2.1.1.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Zipkicker</td>
			<td>PACER</td>
			<td>PT29</td>
			<td>Step 4.3. Hardening accelerator</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

visualizing protein kinase a activity in head-fixed behaving mice using in vivo two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy

Neuromodulation übt starke Kontrolle über die Gehirnfunktion aus. Dysfunktion der neuromodulatorischen Systeme führt zu neurologischen und psychiatrischen Störungen. Trotz ihrer Bedeutung, Technologien für die Verfolgung neuromodulatorischen Ereignisse mit zellulärer Auflösung sind gerade erst beginnen zu entstehen. Neuromodulatoren, wie Dopamin, Noradrenalin, Acetylcholin und Serotonin, lösen intrazelluläre Signalereignisse über ihre jeweiligen G-Protein-gekoppelten Rezeptoren aus, um neuronale Erregbarkeit, synaptische Kommunikation und andere neuronale Funktionen, wodurch die Informationsverarbeitung im neuronalen Netzwerk reguliert wird. Die oben genannten Neuromodulatoren konvergieren auf den cAMP/Proteinkinase A (PKA) Weg. Daher wurde die in vivo PKA-Bildgebung mit einzelzelliger Auflösung als Auslese für neuromodulatorische Ereignisse in einer Art und Weise entwickelt, die der Kalzium-Bildgebung für neuronale elektrische Aktivitäten entspricht. Hierbei wird eine Methode zur Visualisierung der PKA-Aktivität auf der Ebene einzelner Neuronen im Kortex von kopffixierten Benehmen von Mäusen vorgestellt. Dazu kommt ein verbesserter A-Kinase-Aktivitätsreporter (AKAR), genannt tAKAR, zum Einsatz, der auf der Förster-Resonanzenergieübertragung (FRET) basiert. Dieser genetisch kodierte PKA-Sensor wird über die Utero-Elektroporation (IUE) von DNA-Plasmiden oder die stereotaxic-Injektion des Adeno-assoziierten Virus (AAV) in den motorischen Kortex eingeführt. FRET-Änderungen werden mit der zweiphotonenfluoreszenz-Lebensdauermikroskopie (2pFLIM) dargestellt, die Vorteile gegenüber ratiometrischen FRET-Messungen zur Quantifizierung des FRET-Signals im lichtstreuenden Hirngewebe bietet. Um PKA-Aktivitäten während der erzwungenen Fortbewegung zu untersuchen, wird tAKAR durch ein chronisches Schädelfenster über dem Kortex von wachen, kopffixierten Mäusen abgebildet, die auf einem geschwindigkeitsgesteuerten motorisierten Laufband laufen oder ruhen. Dieser bildgebende Ansatz wird auf viele andere Hirnregionen anwendbar sein, um entsprechende verhaltensinduzierte PKA-Aktivitäten zu untersuchen, und auf andere FLIM-basierte Sensoren für die In-vivo-Bildgebung.

FRET-FLIM-Sensoren ermöglichen die Visualisierung vieler verschiedener Signalwege, einschließlich des cAMP/PKA-Signalwegs, der an der Neuromodulation beteiligt ist. Das aktuelle Protokoll nutzt den kürzlich entwickelten tAKAR-Sensor in Kombination mit 2pFLIM, um PKA-Aktivitäten bei kopffesten Benahmemäusen zu visualisieren. Die meisten vorhandenen Zwei-Photonen-Mikroskope können mit 2pFLIM-Fähigkeiten aufgerüstet werden, indem drei zu vier Komponenten hinzugefügt werden, wie in <...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Visualizing Protein Kinase A Activity In Head-fixed Behaving Mice Using In Vivo Two-photon Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy at JoVE.com

Visualizing Protein Kinase A Activity In Head-fixed Behaving Mice Using In Vivo Two-photon Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy

Ein Verfahren wird vorgestellt, um Proteinkinase-A-Aktivitäten in kopffesten, sich verhaltenden Mäusen zu visualisieren. Ein verbesserter A-Kinase-Aktivitätsreporter, tAKAR, wird in kortikalen Neuronen ausgedrückt und für die Bildgebung durch ein Schädelfenster zugänglich gemacht. Die zweiphotonenfluoreszenzspezifische Bildmikroskopie wird verwendet, um PKA-Aktivitäten in vivo während der erzwungenen Fortbewegung zu visualisieren.

Visualisierung der Proteinkinase Eine Aktivität bei kopffixierten Behaving Mäusen mit In Vivo Zweiphotonen fluoreszenz Lifetime Imaging Microscopy

Neuromodulation exerts powerful control over brain function. Dysfunction of neuromodulatory systems results in neurological and psychiatric disorders. ...

Unsere Methode verwendet eine neuartige Proteinkinase Ein Sensor namens Ziel A Kinase Aktivität Reporter alpha, oder tAKAR

visualizing-protein-kinase-activity-head-fixed-behaving-mice-using

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

8.3K Aufrufe.  Oregon Health & Science University. Unsere Methode verwendet eine neuartige Proteinkinase Ein Sensor namens Ziel A Kinase Aktivität Reporter alpha, oder tAKAR

Serie: Visualizing Protein Kinase A Activity In Head-fixed Behaving Mice Using In Vivo Two-photon Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy

In vivo Imaging of the Mouse Spinal Cord Using Two-photon Microscopy

In vivo imaging using two-photon microscopy 1 in mice that have been genetically engineered to express fluorescent proteins in specific cell types 2-3 has significantly broadened our knowledge of physiological and pathological processes in numerous tissues in vivo 4-7. In studies of the central nervous system (CNS), there has been a broad application of in vivo imaging in the brain, which has produced a plethora of novel and often unexpected findings about the behavior of cells such as neurons, astrocytes, microglia, under physiological or pathological conditions 8-17. However, mostly technical complications have limited the implementation of in vivo imaging in studies of the living mouse spinal cord. In particular, the anatomical proximity of the spinal cord to the lungs and heart generates significant movement artifact that makes imaging the living spinal cord a challenging task.
We developed a novel method that overcomes the inherent limitations of spinal cord imaging by stabilizing the spinal column, reducing respiratory-induced movements and thereby facilitating the use of two-photon microscopy to image the mouse spinal cord in vivo. This is achieved by combining a customized spinal stabilization device with a method of deep anesthesia, resulting in a significant reduction of respiratory-induced movements. This video protocol shows how to expose a small area of the living spinal cord that can be maintained under stable physiological conditions over extended periods of time by keeping tissue injury and bleeding to a minimum. Representative raw images acquired in vivo detail in high resolution the close relationship between microglia and the vasculature. A timelapse sequence shows the dynamic behavior of microglial processes in the living mouse spinal cord. Moreover, a continuous scan of the same z-frame demonstrates the outstanding stability that this method can achieve to generate stacks of images and/or timelapse movies that do not require image alignment post-acquisition. Finally, we show how this method can be used to revisit and reimage the same area of the spinal cord at later timepoints, allowing for longitudinal studies of ongoing physiological or pathological processes in vivo.

In vivo Imaging of the Mouse Spinal Cord Using Two-photon Microscopy

A minimally invasive protocol to stabilize the mouse spinal column and perform repetitive in vivo spinal cord imaging using two-photon microscopy is described. This method combines a spinal stabilization device and an anesthetic regimen to minimize respiratory-induced movements and produce raw imaging data that require no alignment or other post-processing.

In-vivo-Imaging von der Maus Spinal Cord mit Zwei-Photonen-Mikroskopie

In vivo imaging using two-photon microscopy 1 in mice that have been genetically engineered to express fluorescent proteins in specific cell types 2-3 has ...

Forschung

Neurowissenschaften

Functional Neuroimaging Using Ultrasonic Blood-brain Barrier Disruption and Manganese-enhanced MRI

Although mice are the dominant model system for studying the genetic and molecular underpinnings of neuroscience, functional neuroimaging in mice remains technically challenging. One approach, Activation-Induced Manganese-enhanced MRI (AIM MRI), has been used successfully to map neuronal activity in rodents 1-5. In AIM MRI, Mn2+ acts a calcium analog and accumulates in depolarized neurons 6,7. Because Mn2+ shortens the T1 tissue property, regions of elevated neuronal activity will enhance in MRI. Furthermore, Mn2+ clears slowly from the activated regions; therefore, stimulation can be performed outside the magnet prior to imaging, enabling greater experimental flexibility. However, because Mn2+ does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the need to open the BBB has limited the use of AIM MRI, especially in mice.
One tool for opening the BBB is ultrasound. Though potentially damaging, if ultrasound is administered in combination with gas-filled microbubbles (i.e., ultrasound contrast agents), the acoustic pressure required for BBB opening is considerably lower. This combination of ultrasound and microbubbles can be used to reliably open the BBB without causing tissue damage 8-11.
Here, a method is presented for performing AIM MRI by using microbubbles and ultrasound to open the BBB. After an intravenous injection of perflutren microbubbles, an unfocused pulsed ultrasound beam is applied to the shaved mouse head for 3 minutes. For simplicity, we refer to this technique of BBB Opening with Microbubbles and UltraSound as BOMUS 12. Using BOMUS to open the BBB throughout both cerebral hemispheres, manganese is administered to the whole mouse brain. After experimental stimulation of the lightly sedated mice, AIM MRI is used to map the neuronal response.
To demonstrate this approach, herein BOMUS and AIM MRI are used to map unilateral mechanical stimulation of the vibrissae in lightly sedated mice 13. Because BOMUS can open the BBB throughout both hemispheres, the unstimulated side of the brain is used to control for nonspecific background stimulation. The resultant 3D activation map agrees well with published representations of the vibrissae regions of the barrel field cortex 14. The ultrasonic opening of the BBB is fast, noninvasive, and reversible; and thus this approach is suitable for high-throughput and/or longitudinal studies in awake mice.

A technique is described for broadly opening the blood-brain barrier in the mouse using microbubbles and ultrasound. Using this technique, manganese can be administered to the mouse brain. Because manganese is an MRI contrast agent that accumulates in depolarized neurons, this approach enables imaging of neuronal activity.

Funktionelle Bildgebung mit Ultraschall-Blut-Hirnschranke Störung und Mangan-MRT

Although mice are the dominant model system for studying the genetic and molecular underpinnings of neuroscience, functional neuroimaging in mice remains ...

In Vivo Two-Photon Microscopy of Single Nerve Endings in Skin

Nerve endings in skin are involved in physiological processes such as sensing1 as well as in pathological processes such as neuropathic pain2. Their close-to-surface positioning facilitates microscopic imaging of skin nerve endings in living intact animal. Using multiphoton microscopy, it is possible to obtain fine images overcoming the problem of strong light scattering of the skin tissue. Reporter transgenic mice that express EYFP under the control of Thy-1 promoter in neurons (including periphery sensory neurons) are well suited for the longitudinal studies of individual nerve endings over extended periods of time up to several months or even life-long. Furthermore, using the same femtosecond laser as for the imaging, it is possible to produce highly selective lesions of nerve fibers for the studies of the nerve fiber restructuring. Here, we present a simple and reliable protocol for longitudinal multiphoton in vivo imaging and laser-based microsurgery on mouse skin nerve endings.

In Vivo Two-Photon Microscopy of Single Nerve Endings in Skin

The protocol for dynamic longitudinal imaging and selective laser lesion of nerve endings in reporter transgenic mice is presented.&#160;

In-vivo Zwei-Photonen-Mikroskopie einzelner Nervenenden in der Haut

Nerve endings in skin are involved in physiological processes such as sensing1 as well as in pathological processes such as neuropathic pain2. Their ...

Two-Photon in vivo Imaging of Dendritic Spines in the Mouse Cortex Using a Thinned-skull Preparation

In the mammalian cortex, neurons form extremely complicated networks and exchange information at synapses. Changes in synaptic strength, as well as addition/removal of synapses, occur in an experience-dependent manner, providing the structural foundation of neuronal plasticity. As postsynaptic components of the most excitatory synapses in the cortex, dendritic spines are considered to be a good proxy of synapses. Taking advantages of mouse genetics and fluorescent labeling techniques, individual neurons and their synaptic structures can be labeled in the intact brain. Here we introduce a transcranial imaging protocol using two-photon laser scanning microscopy to follow fluorescently labeled postsynaptic dendritic spines over time in vivo. This protocol utilizes a thinned-skull preparation, which keeps the skull intact and avoids inflammatory effects caused by exposure of the meninges and the cortex. Therefore, images can be acquired immediately after surgery is performed. The experimental procedure can be performed repetitively over various time intervals ranging from hours to years. The application of this preparation can also be expanded to investigate different cortical regions and layers, as well as other cell types, under physiological and pathological conditions.

Two-Photon in vivo Imaging of Dendritic Spines in the Mouse Cortex Using a Thinned-skull Preparation

Time-lapse imaging in the living animal provides valuable information on structural reorganization in the intact brain. Here, we introduce a thinned-skull preparation that allows transcranial imaging of fluorescently labeled synaptic structures in the living mouse cortex by two-photon microscopy.

Zwei-Photonen-<em&gt; In vivo</em&gt; Imaging von dendritischen Dornen in der Maus Cortex Mit einem ausgedünnten Schädel Vorbereitung

In the mammalian cortex, neurons form extremely complicated networks and exchange information at synapses. Changes in synaptic strength, as well as ...

In Vivo Two-photon Imaging of Cortical Neurons in Neonatal Mice

Two-photon imaging is a powerful tool for the in vivo analysis of neuronal circuits in the mammalian brain. However, a limited number of in vivo imaging methods exist for examining the brain tissue of live newborn mammals. Herein we summarize a protocol for imaging individual cortical neurons in living neonatal mice. This protocol includes the following two methodologies: (1) the Supernova system for sparse and bright labeling of cortical neurons in the developing brain, and (2) a surgical procedure for the fragile neonatal skull. This protocol allows the observation of temporal changes of individual cortical neurites during neonatal stages with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Labeled cell-specific gene silencing and knockout can also be achieved by combining the Supernova with RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing systems. This protocol can, thus, be used for analyzing the developmental dynamics of cortical neurons, molecular mechanisms that control the neuronal dynamics, and changes in neuronal dynamics in disease models.

In Vivo Two-photon Imaging of Cortical Neurons in Neonatal Mice

We present an in vivo two-photon imaging protocol for imaging the cerebral cortex of neonatal mice. This method is suitable for analyzing the developmental dynamics of cortical neurons, the molecular mechanisms that control the neuronal dynamics, and the changes in neuronal dynamics in disease models.

In Vivo Zwei-Photon Imaging der kortikalen Neuronen bei Neugeborenen Mäusen

Two-photon imaging is a powerful tool for the in vivo analysis of neuronal circuits in the mammalian brain. However, a limited number of in vivo imaging ...

Transpupillary Two-Photon In Vivo Imaging of the Mouse Retina

The retina transforms light signals from the environment into electrical signals that are propagated to the brain. Diseases of the retina are prevalent and cause visual impairment and blindness. Understanding how such diseases progress is critical to formulating new treatments. In vivo&#160;microscopy in animal models of disease is a powerful tool for understanding neurodegeneration and has led to important progress towards treatments of conditions ranging from Alzheimer&#39;s disease to stroke. Given that the retina is the only central nervous system structure inherently accessible by optical approaches, it naturally lends itself towards in vivo imaging. However, the native optics of the lens and cornea present some challenges for effective imaging access.
This protocol outlines methods for in vivo two-photon imaging of cellular cohorts and structures in the mouse retina at cellular resolution, applicable for both acute- and chronic-duration imaging experiments. It presents examples of retinal ganglion cell (RGC), amacrine cell, microglial, and vascular imaging using a suite of labeling techniques including adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, transgenic mice, and inorganic dyes. Importantly, these techniques extend to all cell types of the retina, and suggested methods for accessing other cellular populations of interest are described. Also detailed are example strategies for manual image postprocessing for display and quantification. These techniques are directly applicable to studies of retinal function in health and disease.

In vivo imaging is a powerful tool for the study of biology in health and disease. This protocol describes transpupillary imaging of the mouse retina with a standard two-photon microscope. It also demonstrates different in vivoimaging methods to fluorescently label multiple cellular cohorts of the retina.

Transpupille Zwei-Photonen-In-vivo-Bildgebung der Netzhaut der Maus

The retina transforms light signals from the environment into electrical signals that are propagated to the brain. Diseases of the retina are prevalent ...

Evaluation and Manipulation of Neural Activity Using Two-Photon Holographic Microscopy

Recent advances in optical bioimaging and optogenetics have enabled the visualization and manipulation of biological phenomena, including cellular activities, in living animals. In the field of neuroscience, detailed neural activity related to brain functions, such as learning and memory, has now been revealed, and it has become feasible to artificially manipulate this activity to express brain functions. However, the conventional evaluation of neural activity by two-photon Ca2+ imaging has the problem of low temporal resolution. In addition, manipulation of neural activity by conventional optogenetics through the optic fiber can only simultaneously regulate the activity of neurons with the same genetic background, making it difficult to control the activity of individual neurons. To solve this issue, we recently developed a microscope with a high spatiotemporal resolution for biological applications by combining optogenetics with digital holographic technology that can modify femtosecond infrared laser beams. Here, we describe protocols for the visualization, evaluation, and manipulation of neural activity, including the preparation of samples and operation of a two-photon holographic microscope (Figure 1). These protocols provide accurate spatiotemporal information on neural activity, which may be useful for elucidating the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders that lead to abnormalities in neural activity.

We developed a two-photon holographic microscope that can visualize, assess, and manipulate neural activity using high spatiotemporal resolution, with the aim of elucidating the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders that are associated with abnormal neural activity.

Auswertung und Manipulation neuronaler Aktivität mittels holographischer Zwei-Photonen-Mikroskopie

Recent advances in optical bioimaging and optogenetics have enabled the visualization and manipulation of biological phenomena, including cellular ...

In Vivo Wide-Field and Two-Photon Calcium Imaging from a Mouse Using a Large Cranial Window

Wide-field calcium imaging from the mouse&#39;s neocortex allows one to observe cortex-wide neural activity related to various brain functions. On the other hand, two-photon imaging can resolve the activity of local neural circuits at the single-cell level. It is critical to make a large cranial window to perform multiple-scale analysis using both imaging techniques in the same mouse. To achieve this, one must remove a large section of the skull and cover the exposed cortical surface with transparent materials. Previously, glass skulls and polymer-based cranial windows have been developed for this purpose, but these materials are not easily fabricated. The present protocol describes a simple method for making a large cranial window consisting of commercially available polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) wrapping film, a transparent silicone plug, and a cover glass. For imaging the dorsal surface of an entire hemisphere, the window size was approximately 6 x 3 mm2. Severe brain vibrations were not observed regardless of such a large window. Importantly, the condition of the brain surface did not deteriorate for more than one month. Wide-field imaging of a mouse expressing a genetically-encoded calcium indicator (GECI), GCaMP6f, specifically in astrocytes, revealed synchronized responses in a few millimeters. Two-photon imaging of the same mouse showed prominent calcium responses in individual astrocytes over several seconds. Furthermore, a thin layer of an adeno-associated virus was applied to the PVDC film and successfully expressed GECI in cortical neurons over the cranial window. This technique is reliable and cost-effective for making a large cranial window and facilitates the investigation of the neural and glial dynamics and their interactions during behavior at the macroscopic and microscopic levels.

In Vivo Wide-Field and Two-Photon Calcium Imaging from a Mouse Using a Large Cranial Window

The present protocol describes making a large (6 x 3 mm2) cranial window using food wrap, transparent silicone, and cover glass. This cranial window allows in vivo wide-field and two-photon calcium imaging experiments in the same mouse.

Im lebenden Organismus Weitfeld- und Zwei-Photonen-Kalzium-Bildgebung einer Maus mit einem großen Schädelfenster

Wide-field calcium imaging from the mouse&#39;s neocortex allows one to observe cortex-wide neural activity related to various brain functions. On the ...

Verhaltensverfolgung und neuronale Aktivitätsmuster im Vorderhirn des Zebrafisches

Two-Photon Calcium Imaging of Forebrain Activity in Behaving Adult Zebrafish

Adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) exhibit a rich repertoire of behaviors for studying cognitive functions. They also have a miniature brain that can be used for measuring activities across brain regions through optical imaging methods. However, reports on the recording of brain activity in behaving adult zebrafish have been scarce. The present study describes procedures to perform two-photon calcium imaging in the dorsal forebrain of adult zebrafish. We focus on steps to restrain adult zebrafish from moving their heads, which provides stability that enables laser scanning imaging of the brain activity. The head-restrained animals can freely move their body parts and breathe without aids. The procedure aims to shorten the time of head restraint surgery, minimize brain motion, and maximize the number of neurons recorded. A setup for presenting an immersive visual environment during calcium imaging is also described here, which can be used to study neural correlates underlying visually triggered behaviors.

Autor im Rampenlicht: Fortschritte in der Hirnforschung für erwachsene Zebrafische 

Here, we present a protocol to perform two-photon calcium imaging in the dorsal forebrain of adult zebrafish.

Zwei-Photonen-Kalzium-Bildgebung der Vorderhirnaktivität bei sich verhaltenden erwachsenen Zebrafischen

Adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) exhibit a rich repertoire of behaviors for studying cognitive functions. They also have a miniature brain that can be used ...