Optogenetic axon guidance in embryonic zebrafish

Abstract

Summary: Axons form the long-range connections of biological neuronal networks, which are built through the developmental process of axon guidance. Here, we describe a protocol to precisely and non-invasively control axonal growth trajectories in live zebrafish embryos using focal light activation of a photoactivatable Rac1. We outline techniques for photostimulation, time-lapse imaging, and immunohistochemistry. These approaches enable engineering of long-range axonal circuitry or repair of defective circuits in living zebrafish, despite a milieu of competing endogenous signals and repulsive barriers.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Harris et al. (2020).

Keywords

• Developmental biology
• Microscopy
• Model Organisms
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience