Hillel Adesnik (UC Berkeley)

Speaker: Hillel Adesnik (UC Berkeley)
Title: Advances and applications of all-optical neural circuit interrogation
Abstract: I will describe three advances in the ability to optically interface with neural circuits at single-cell resolution and millisecond precision. These advances provide the ability to interrogate neural computations from the levels of individual synapses to large, multi-area networks. To expand the addressable volume of brain tissue, we developed a random-access two-photon holographic mesoscope that enables mapping functional interactions across distant areas in the mouse neocortex. To overcome the limits of unidirectional optogenetic manipulation, we developed a multicolor two-photon holographic microscope that flexibly enables the addition or subtraction of activity from specific cortical ensembles on millisecond timescales. To map and track monosynaptic connections across time, we combined a new deep blue optogenetic protein with a novel yellow-shifted voltage sensor to identify and monitor dozens of individual synapses across weeks to months. Collectively, these new tools should help neuroscientists uncover unknown mechanisms of computation and behavior across species and may ultimately enable new classes of brain computer interfaces. 
Host: Michael Goard
Lab website: https://adesnik.berkeley.edu/