A flexible two-photon fiberscope for fast activity imaging and precise optogenetic photostimulation of neurons in freely moving mice

Abstract

We developed a flexible two-photon microendoscope (2P-FENDO) capable of all-optical brain investigation at near cellular resolution in freely moving mice. The system performs fast two-photon (2P) functional imaging and 2P holographic photostimulation of single and multiple cells using axially confined extended spots. Proof-of-principle experiments were performed in freely moving mice co-expressing jGCaMP7s and the opsin ChRmine in the visual or barrel cortex. On a field of view of 250 μm in diameter, we demonstrated functional imaging at a frame rate of up to 50 Hz and precise photostimulation of selected groups of cells. With the capability to simultaneously image and control defined neuronal networks in freely moving animals, 2P-FENDO will enable a precise investigation of neuronal functions in the brain during naturalistic behaviors.

Keywords: 2-photon calcium imaging; 2-photon optogenetic photostimulation; GRIN lenses; all-optical neuronal circuit manipulation; computer-generated holography; freely moving mice; microendoscopy; optical fiber bundles.