Imaging sensory transmission and neuronal plasticity in primary sensory neurons with a positively tuned voltage indicator
Yan Zhang,
John Shannonhouse,
Ruben Gomez,
Hyeonwi Son,
Hirotake Ishida,
Stephen Evans,
Mariya Chavarha,
Dongqing Shi,
Guofeng Zhang,
Michael Z. Lin and
Yu Shin Kim ()
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Yan Zhang: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
John Shannonhouse: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Ruben Gomez: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Hyeonwi Son: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Hirotake Ishida: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Stephen Evans: Stanford University
Mariya Chavarha: Stanford University
Dongqing Shi: Stanford University
Guofeng Zhang: Stanford University
Michael Z. Lin: Stanford University
Yu Shin Kim: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14
Abstract:
Abstract Primary sensory neurons convert external stimuli into electrical signals, yet how heterogeneous neurons encode distinct sensations remains unclear. In vivo dorsal root ganglia (DRG) imaging with genetically-encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs) enables mapping of neuronal activity from over 1800 neurons per DRG in live mice, offering high spatial and populational resolution. However, GECIs’ slow Ca2+ response kinetics limit the temporal accuracy of neuronal electrical dynamics. Genetically-encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) provide real-time voltage tracking but often lack the brightness and dynamic range required for in vivo use. Here, we used soma-targeted ASAP4.4-Kv, a bright and fast positively tuned GEVI, to dissect temporal dynamics of DRG neuron responses to mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimulation in live male and female mice. ASAP4.4-Kv revealed previously unrecognized cell-to-cell electrical synchronization and robust dynamic transformations in sensory coding following tissue injury. Combining GEVI and GECI imaging empowers spatiotemporal analysis of sensory signal processing and integration mechanisms in vivo.
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61774-2
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61774-2
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