Pipeline for 2-photon all-optical physiology in mouse: From viral titration and optical window implantation to binarization of calcium transients

2-photon all-optical physiology combines in vivo 2-photon calcium imaging and optogenetics, which enables both the read out and manipulation of neuronal microcircuits with single-cell resolution. Here, we describe a protocol for achieving optimized co-expression of calcium indicator and opsin. To enable longitudinal designs, we introduce a template for virus injection and chronic window implantation. We also highlight key aspects of performing 2-photon imaging and suggest an analysis algorithm for the binarization of putatively action-potential (AP)-related calcium transients. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Fu et al. (2021).

Automated summary

2-photon all-optical physiology combines in vivo 2-photon calcium imaging and optogenetics for reading and manipulating neuronal microcircuits at single-cell resolution. The protocol includes optimized co-expression, virus injection, 2-photon imaging, and an analysis algorithm for calcium transients related to action potentials.