Voltage imaging of neurons distributed across entire brains of larval zebrafish.
Neurons interact in networks distributed throughout the brain. While much effort has focused on whole-brain calcium imaging, advances in genetically encoded voltage indicators raise the question of whether it might be possible to image neuronal voltage across entire brains. Achieving this requires a microscope with high volumetric imaging rates and signal-to-noise ratio. Here we present a remote-scanning light-sheet microscope capable of imaging genetically encoded voltage indicator-expressing neurons distributed throughout much of the brain of larval zebrafish at a volumetric rate of 200.8 Hz. We measured voltage traces from approximately one-quarter of all brain neurons. We found that neurons firing at different times during a sequence occupied different locations: visually evoked sequences mapped across the optic tectum, whereas stimulus-independent bursts were mapped across the cerebellum and medulla. Imaging voltage of neurons distributed in many brain regions may open new frontiers for understanding fundamental neural system operations.
A brain reward circuit inhibited by next-generation weight-loss drugs in mice.
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) effectively reduce body weight and improve metabolic outcomes; however, established peptide-based therapies require injections and are complex to manufacture. Small-molecule GLP1RAs promise oral bioavailability and scalable manufacturing, but their selective binding to human versus rodent receptors has limited mechanistic studies. Here we developed humanized GLP1R mouse models to investigate how small-molecule GLP1RAs influence feeding behaviour. We found that these compounds regulate both homeostatic and hedonic feeding through parallel neural circuits. Beyond engaging canonical hypothalamic and hindbrain networks that control metabolic homeostasis, GLP1RAs recruit a discrete population of Glp1r-expressing neurons in the central amygdala, which selectively suppress the consumption of palatable foods by reducing dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. Stimulating these central amygdalar neurons curtails hedonic feeding, whereas targeted deletion of the receptor in this cell population specifically diminishes the anorectic efficacy of GLP1RAs for reward-driven intake. These findings identify a neural circuit through which small-molecule GLP1RAs modulate reward processing, with implications for the treatment of substance-use disorder and binge eating.
Highly attenuated dendritic propagation of isolated synaptic potentials in vivo.
The integration of synaptic inputs is a fundamental function of neurons. In the traditional model, excitatory inputs are summed at the soma to generate action potentials. However, how synaptic inputs are integrated by dendrites in vivo remains poorly explored. We used intravital two-photon dendritic imaging with a genetically encoded voltage indicator (accelerated sensor of action potentials 5) together with somatic whole-cell patch clamp recordings to investigate how synaptic depolarizations are transferred to the soma in pyramidal neurons of the mouse somatosensory cortex. We studied the integration of synaptic inputs under spontaneous and sensory-evoked conditions, as well as following electrical and optogenetic stimulation. In all cases, while multiple inputs evoked measurable depolarizations in the cell body, isolated synaptic potentials were strongly attenuated. Our results suggest that isolated synaptic inputs have a minimal contribution to somatic depolarization, whereas coincident inputs within short temporal windows are more effective, indicating a regime of dendritic integration that favors coincident or clustered neuronal activity in cortical networks.
Latest Updated Curations
Progress in Voltage Imaging
Recent advances in the field of Voltage Imaging, with a special focus on new constructs and novel implementations.
Basal Ganglia Advances
Basal Ganglia Advances is a collection highlighting research on the structure, function, and disorders of the basal ganglia. It features studies spanning neuroscience, clinical insights, and computational models, serving as a hub for advances in movement, cognition, and behavior.
Navigation & Localization
Work related to place tuning, spatial navigation, orientation and direction. Mainly includes articles on connectivity in the hippocampus, retrosplenial cortex, and related areas.
Most Popular Recent Articles
Voltage imaging of neurons distributed across entire brains of larval zebrafish.
Neurons interact in networks distributed throughout the brain. While much effort has focused on whole-brain calcium imaging, advances in genetically encoded voltage indicators raise the question of whether it might be possible to image neuronal voltage across entire brains. Achieving this requires a microscope with high volumetric imaging rates and signal-to-noise ratio. Here we present a remote-scanning light-sheet microscope capable of imaging genetically encoded voltage indicator-expressing neurons distributed throughout much of the brain of larval zebrafish at a volumetric rate of 200.8 Hz. We measured voltage traces from approximately one-quarter of all brain neurons. We found that neurons firing at different times during a sequence occupied different locations: visually evoked sequences mapped across the optic tectum, whereas stimulus-independent bursts were mapped across the cerebellum and medulla. Imaging voltage of neurons distributed in many brain regions may open new frontiers for understanding fundamental neural system operations.
A novel medical image segmentation network for colorectal polyp small targets and fuzzy boundaries.
To address the challenges of complex feature variations and unclear boundary definitions between segmented targets and surrounding regions in medical images, a novel segmentation model based on Deformable Large Kernel Convolutional Attention (D-LKA) and Transformer is proposed.
De-escalation of perioperative systemic therapy for early breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide, and the number of survivors continues to increase owing to earlier detection and advances in treatment. As long-term survivorship becomes increasingly important, minimizing treatment-related toxicity without compromising oncologic outcomes has become a major goal in the management of early breast cancer. Treatment de-escalation strategies have therefore attracted considerable attention. In HER2-positive disease, several approaches have been explored, including reduction of chemotherapy intensity, shortening the duration of anti-HER2 therapy, chemotherapy-free regimens in selected patients, and response-guided strategies based on pathologic complete response following neoadjuvant therapy. In hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative breast cancer, multigene expression assays have enabled more precise risk stratification and have allowed omission of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with biologically low-risk tumors. In addition, the neoadjuvant setting provides an opportunity to evaluate treatment response using biomarkers such as Ki67, which may help identify patients who can safely avoid chemotherapy. Ongoing clinical trials are further evaluating response-guided treatment strategies, particularly in premenopausal patients. Furthermore, circulating tumor DNA has recently emerged as a promising biomarker for detecting minimal residual disease and monitoring treatment response. Integration of molecular biomarkers with response-adapted strategies may further refine risk stratification and support personalized treatment approaches. This review summarizes current evidence and ongoing studies on treatment de-escalation across breast cancer subtypes.