A Large-Scale Interface for Optogenetic Stimulation and Recording in Nonhuman Primates

Neuron. 2016 Mar 2;89(5):927-39. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.01.013. Epub 2016 Feb 11.

Abstract

While optogenetics offers great potential for linking brain function and behavior in nonhuman primates, taking full advantage of that potential will require stable access for optical stimulation and concurrent monitoring of neural activity. Here we present a practical, stable interface for stimulation and recording of large-scale cortical circuits. To obtain optogenetic expression across a broad region, here spanning primary somatosensory (S1) and motor (M1) cortices, we used convection-enhanced delivery of the viral vector, with online guidance from MRI. To record neural activity across this region, we used a custom micro-electrocorticographic (μECoG) array designed to minimally attenuate optical stimuli. Lastly, we demonstrated the use of this interface to measure spatiotemporal responses to optical stimulation across M1 and S1. This interface offers a powerful tool for studying circuit dynamics and connectivity across cortical areas, for long-term studies of neuromodulation and targeted cortical plasticity, and for linking these to behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 / genetics
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 / metabolism
  • Cerebral Cortex / cytology*
  • Contrast Media / metabolism
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Electroencephalography
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Male
  • Nerve Net / physiology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Optogenetics* / instrumentation
  • Optogenetics* / methods
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Time Factors
  • Transduction, Genetic

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2