In class we discussed the paper, “Optogenetics enables funct…

In class we discussed the paper, “Optogenetics enables functional analysis of human embryonic stem cell-derived grafts in a Parkinson’s disease model”. The figures below come from that paper. (FYI: Halorhodopsin-EYFP is the same thing as eNpHR3.0-EYFP) Match each panel (A, B, and C) with the mouse genotype that could be responsible for the data. 

In 2017, Dr. Michael Young along with two other individuals…

In 2017, Dr. Michael Young along with two other individuals won the Nobel Prize for their work elucidating mechanisms of the circadian clock. One of Dr. Young’s Nobel Prize winning experiments, was a forward genetic screen that identified a circadian clock mutant. The mutant actogram is shown below:     How did the mutation change the circadian rhythm?

In the INDIRECT pathway, the release of dopamine from neuron…

In the INDIRECT pathway, the release of dopamine from neurons in the substantia nigra (SNc) of neurons in the striatum that express the D2 receptor. Ultimately, this dopamine release makes neurons in the thalamus to fire an action potential. Thus, in the indirect pathway, the release of dopamine from the substantia nigra movement.

In 2017, scientists expressed an opsin specifically in dopam…

In 2017, scientists expressed an opsin specifically in dopamine neurons in mice. They then used electrophysiology to record from dopamine neurons in brain slices from these mice. Here’s what the recording looked liked with no light stimulation: Here’s what the recording looked liked with tonic light stimulation (1 light pulse every second): Note: The light pulses are represented by a the blue ticks. Here’s what the recording looked liked with phasic light stimulation (50 light pulse in 1 second): Note: the blue line represents the light pulses. What opsin was expressed in the dopamine neurons? What kind of recording is this?

Consider the experiment that Dr. Tonegawa used to label hipp…

Consider the experiment that Dr. Tonegawa used to label hippocampal neurons that were part of a contextual fear engram with chanelrhodopsin-EYFP. The image below, outlines the protocol. What if some mice were killed at the time indicated by the yellow arrow (testing day 1: while the mice are in Context A, shortly before turning the light on), and some mice were killed at the time indicated by the purple arrow (testing day 1: while the mice are in Context A, shortly after turning the light on), and the brains of the sacrificed mice were stained with an antibody that recognizes zif268? Which statement below is the best hypothesis for what will happen with zif268 expression?