Technologies to Study Action Potential Propagation With a Focus on HD-MEAs
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Date
2019-04-26
Publication Type
Review Article
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yes
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Abstract
Axons convey information in neuronal circuits via reliable conduction of action potentials
(APs) from the axon initial segment (AIS) to the presynaptic terminals. Recent
experimental findings increasingly evidence that the axonal function is not limited to the
simple transmission of APs. Advances in subcellular-resolution recording techniques
have shown that axons display activity-dependent modulation in spike shape and
conduction velocity, which influence synaptic strength and latency. We briefly review
here, how recent methodological developments facilitate the understanding of the axon
physiology. We included the three most common methods, i.e., genetically encoded
voltage imaging (GEVI), subcellular patch-clamp and high-density microelectrode
arrays (HD-MEAs). We then describe the potential of using HD-MEAs in studying
axonal physiology in more detail. Due to their robustness, amenability to highthroughput
and high spatiotemporal resolution, HD-MEAs can provide a direct functional
electrical readout of single cells and cellular ensembles at subcellular resolution. HDMEAs
can, therefore, be employed in investigating axonal pathologies, the effects
of large-scale genomic interventions (e.g., with RNAi or CRISPR) or in compound
screenings. A combination of extracellular microelectrode arrays (MEAs), intracellular
microelectrodes and optical imaging may potentially reveal yet unexplored repertoires of
axonal functions.
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published
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Book title
Journal / series
Volume
13
Pages / Article No.
159
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
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Date collected
Date created
Subject
axon; action potential propagation; patch-clamp technique; genetically encoded voltage indicators; high-density microelectrode arrays
Organisational unit
03684 - Hierlemann, Andreas / Hierlemann, Andreas
Notes
Funding
694829 - Microtechnology and integrated microsystems to investigate neuronal networks across scales (EC)
167989 - Position Dependence of Retinal Computation (SNF)
167989 - Position Dependence of Retinal Computation (SNF)