Optogenetic investigation of behavioral responses mediated by the mouse superior colliculus
The superior colliculus (SC) is a midbrain structure involved in behavioral responses to external stimuli, such as escaping predators and pursuing objects of interest. Unilateral electrical stimulation of the SC has been shown to elicit contralateral (pursuing) and ipsilateral (escaping) movements. To further investigate the response properties of these circuits, we revisited these experiments using an optogenetic approach. We used the SSFO (ChR2 C128S/D156A), so a short light pulse results in prolonged (30 minutes) depolarization of opsin-expressing cells.
After injecting AAV2/1-CMV-SSFOmCherry in the right SC of C57Bl6J mice, SSFO was efficiently incorporated in neurons of all collicular layers. In response to a 2-second blue light stimulus, mice showed a repeatable and strong behavioral change. At first, they ran around in their cage for 20 seconds as if escaping from a non-existing threat. After quieting down, mice displayed characteristic movements consisting of large counterclockwise body turns over 180-360 degrees. As time progressed, turning movements became shorter and less frequent, but preference for counterclockwise motion lasted up to 30 minutes after blue light stimulation.
In summary, we described that prolonged SSFO-mediated activation of the SC elicits escape- and pursuit-like movements for the duration of the SSFO ‘open state’ conformation. Thus we demonstrated the potential of optogenetics to activate the natural functions of the SC neuronal circuits for a period of time corresponding to the opsin channel kinetics. Future experiments will investigate the effect of SC layer- and cell type-specific stimulation to further elucidate the way orienting behavior is governed.
Keywords:
Mouse,
superior colliculus,
optogenetics,
visually guided navigation,
Behavior, Animal,
Optogenetic stimulation
Conference:
11th National Congress of the Belgian Society for Neuroscience, Mons, Belgium, 22 May - 22 May, 2015.
Presentation Type:
Poster presentation
Topic:
Neuroscience
Citation:
Geeraerts
E,
Dekeyster
E,
Van Den Haute
C,
Mebis
C,
De Groef
L,
Baekelandt
V and
Moons
L
(2015). Optogenetic investigation of behavioral responses mediated by the mouse superior colliculus.
Front. Neurosci.
Conference Abstract:
11th National Congress of the Belgian Society for Neuroscience.
doi: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2015.89.00057
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Received:
29 Apr 2015;
Published Online:
05 May 2015.
*
Correspondence:
Mr. Emiel Geeraerts, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, Emiel.Geeraerts@bio.kuleuven.be