Transient activation of specific neurons in mice by selective expression of the capsaicin receptor

Ali D. Güler, Aundrea Rainwater, Jones G. Parker, Graham L. Jones, Emanuela Argilli, Benjamin R. Arenkiel, Michael D. Ehlers, Antonello Bonci, Larry S. Zweifel and Richard D. Palmiter ()
Additional contact information
Ali D. Güler: University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357370, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
Aundrea Rainwater: University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357370, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
Jones G. Parker: University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357370, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
Graham L. Jones: University of Washington
Emanuela Argilli: University of California, San Francisco
Benjamin R. Arenkiel: Baylor College of Medicine
Michael D. Ehlers: Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development, Neuroscience Research Unit
Antonello Bonci: University of California, San Francisco
Larry S. Zweifel: University of Washington
Richard D. Palmiter: University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357370, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.

Nature Communications, 2012, vol. 3, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The ability to control the electrical activity of a neuronal subtype is a valuable tool in deciphering the role of discreet cell populations in complex neural circuits. Recent techniques that allow remote control of neurons are either labor intensive and invasive or indirectly coupled to neural electrical potential with low temporal resolution. Here we show the rapid, reversible and direct activation of genetically identified neuronal subpopulations by generating two inducible transgenic mouse models. Confined expression of the capsaicin receptor, TRPV1, allows cell-specific activation after peripheral or oral delivery of ligand in freely moving mice. Capsaicin-induced activation of dopaminergic or serotonergic neurons reversibly alters both physiological and behavioural responses within minutes, and lasts ~10 min. These models showcase a robust and remotely controllable genetic tool that modulates a distinct cell population without the need for invasive and labour-intensive approaches.

Date: 2012
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1749

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