Elucidation of dynamics in neuronal networks by focused laser-induced perturbation

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25700031
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Life / Health / Medical informatics
• Research Institution: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Hosokawa Chie 国立研究開発法人産業技術総合研究所, 生命工学領域, 主任研究員 (60435766)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 神経細胞 / 光ピンセット / フェムト秒レーザー / ナノバイオ / 蛍光解析

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Molecular dynamics in neuronal cells is essential for synaptic plasticity and subsequent modulation of cellular functions in a neuronal network. For realizing artificial control of living neuronal network, we demonstrate laser-induced perturbation into the neuronal dynamics in neurons. By fluorescence correlation spectroscopy of quantum-dot-conjugated AMPA-type glutamate receptors on neurons, the molecular motion was constrained in an optical trap. Moreover, femtosecond laser-induced stimulation was applied to evaluate neuronal activity in neuronal networks. Focusing a femtosecond laser into target neuron cultured on micro-electrode arrays, intracellular Ca2+ immediately increased at the laser spot and the spike signals were frequently observed at electrode which was close to the laser spot. These results suggest that propagation of neuronal activity was evoked by laser-induced stimulation.

Free Research Field

ナノバイオ