Advances in optogenetic and chemogenetic methods to study brain circuits in non-human primates

• Authors: Adriana Galvan, Emory University; Michael J. Caiola, Emory University; Daniel L. Albaugh, Emory University
• Journal Title: Journal of Neural Transmission
• Volume: Volume 125, Number 3
• Publisher: Springer Verlag (Germany) | 2018-03-01, Pages 547-563
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-017-1697-8
• Subjects: Biology, Neuroscience; Biology, Genetics
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Clinical Neurology; Neurosciences; Neurosciences & Neurology; Optogenetics; Opsins; Chemogenetics; DREADDs; Basal ganglia; Non-human primates; Monkeys; CONVECTION-ENHANCED DELIVERY; CLOZAPINE-N-OXIDE; BASAL GANGLIA; GENE DELIVERY; ADENOASSOCIATED VIRUS; VIRAL VECTORS; SUBTHALAMIC NUCLEUS; INDIRECT PATHWAY; OPTICAL CONTROL; MILLISECOND-TIMESCALE

Abstract

Over the last 10 years, the use of opto- and chemogenetics to modulate neuronal activity in research applications has increased exponentially. Both techniques involve the genetic delivery of artificial proteins (opsins or engineered receptors) that are expressed on a selective population of neurons. The firing of these neurons can then be manipulated using light sources (for opsins) or by systemic administration of exogenous compounds (for chemogenetic receptors). Opto- and chemogenetic tools have enabled many important advances in basal ganglia research in rodent models, yet these techniques have faced a slow progress in non-human primate (NHP) research. In this review, we present a summary of the current state of these techniques in NHP research and outline some of the main challenges associated with the use of these genetic-based approaches in monkeys. We also explore cutting-edge developments that will facilitate the use of opto- and chemogenetics in NHPs, and help advance our understanding of basal ganglia circuits in normal and pathological conditions.