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Optogenetic analyses of neuronal network function and synaptic transmission in Caenorhabditis elegans

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e-Neuroforum

Abstract

The transparent nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, with its anatomically well-defined nervous system comprising 302 neurons that regulate quantifiable behaviors, is an ideal model system for the development and application of optogenetic methods. Optogenetically modified neurons can be acutely excited or inhibited by light and the effects on a distinct behavior observed. Special lighting systems allow the manipulation of several nerve cells that act as “nodes” of small neural circuits, with different colors of light, so as to control different optogenetic tools independently and simultaneously. In addition, genetically encoded optical sensors for neuronal activity make it possible to draw conclusions even when the optogenetic intervention causes no obvious behavioral change. The stimulation of quantifiable behaviors permits the analysis of the function of genes necessary in the corresponding neuron for the encoding or amplification of the primary signal. Finally, following optogenetic stimulation, the function of chemical synapses and their proteins can also be analyzed by electrophysiology or electron microscopy.

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Compliance with ethical guidelines

Conflict of interest. The corresponding author states that there are no conflicts of interest.

All national guidelines on the care and use of laboratory animals have been followed and the necessary approval was obtained from the relevant authorities (as far as required for C. elegans).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt, Deutschland

    A. Gottschalk

  2. Institute for Biochemistry, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Deutschland

    A. Gottschalk

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  1. A. Gottschalk
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Correspondence to A. Gottschalk.

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Translated to English from the original German by Jana Liewald.

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Gottschalk, A. Optogenetic analyses of neuronal network function and synaptic transmission in Caenorhabditis elegans . e-Neuroforum 5, 77–85 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13295-014-0064-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13295-014-0064-6

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