Abstract

Transgenic neuromodulation tools have transformed the field of neuroscience over the past two decades by enabling targeted manipulation of neuronal populations and circuits with unprecedented specificity. Chemogenetic and optogenetic neuromodulation systems are among the most widely used and allow targeted control of neuronal activity through the administration of a selective compound or light, respectively. Innovative genetic targeting strategies are utilized to transduce specific cells to express transgenic receptors and opsins capable of
manipulating neuronal activity. These allow mapping of neuroanatomical projection sites and link cellular manipulations with brain circuit functions and behavior. As these tools continue to expand knowledge of the
nervous system in preclinical models, developing translational applications for human therapies is becoming increasingly possible. However, new strategies for implementing and monitoring transgenic tools are needed for safe and effective use in translational research and potential clinical applications. A major challenge for such applications is the need to track the location and function of chemogenetic receptors and opsins in vivo, and new developments in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging techniques offer promising solutions. The goal of this review is to summarize current research combining transgenic tools with PET for in vivo mapping and manipulation of brain circuits and to propose future directions for translational applications.

Results from the nanoScan^® PET/CT

Researchers have been using nanoScan^® PET/CT combining with transgenic tools for in vivo mapping and manipulation of neuronal populations and circuits.

Bolus injection of FDG can be used to image average brain activity after it occurs in anesthetized or awake and behaving animals (uptake period 5–10 min intravenous or 30–40 min intraperitoneal)

Continuous infusion of FDG can be used to measure brain activity over longer durations with improved temporal resolution in functional FDG-PET (fFDG-PET)

See interesting details in the review article