Genetically encoded fluorescent indicators have been broadly used to monitor neuronal activity in live animals, but invasive surgery procedures are often required. This study presents a functional bioluminescence imaging (fBLI) method for recording the activity of neuronal ensembles in the brain in awake mice. We developed a luciferase prosubstrate activatable in vivo by nonspecific esterase to enhance the brain delivery of the luciferin. We further engineered a bright, bioluminescent indicator with robust responsiveness to calcium ions (Ca2+) and appreciable emission above 600 nm. Integration of these advantageous components enabled the imaging of Ca2+ dynamics in awake mice minimally invasively with excellent signal-to-background and subsecond temporal resolution. This study thus establishes a new fBLIparadigm for studying brain functions in health and disease.

A luciferase prosubstrate and a red bioluminescent calcium indicator to image neuronal activity

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.