Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience (Jun 2021)

Using Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators to Study Astrocyte Physiology: A Field Guide

  • Christian Lohr,
  • Antonia Beiersdorfer,
  • Timo Fischer,
  • Daniela Hirnet,
  • Natalie Rotermund,
  • Jessica Sauer,
  • Kristina Schulz,
  • Christine E. Gee

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2021.690147
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

Read online

Ca2+ imaging is the most frequently used technique to study glial cell physiology. While chemical Ca2+ indicators served to visualize and measure changes in glial cell cytosolic Ca2+ concentration for several decades, genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs) have become state of the art in recent years. Great improvements have been made since the development of the first GECI and a large number of GECIs with different physical properties exist, rendering it difficult to select the optimal Ca2+ indicator. This review discusses some of the most frequently used GECIs and their suitability for glial cell research.

Keywords