Cell Calcium Imaging as a Reliable Method to Study Neuron–Glial Circuits

Abstract

Complex dynamic cellular networks have been studied in physiological and pathological processes under the light of single-cell calcium imaging (SCCI), a method that correlates functional data based on calcium shifts operated by different intracellular and extracellular mechanisms integrated with their cell phenotypes. From the classic synaptic structure to tripartite astrocytic model or the recent quadripartite microglia added ensemble, as well as other physiological tissues, it is possible to follow how cells signal spatiotemporally to cellular patterns. This methodology has been used broadly due to the universal properties of calcium as a second messenger. In general, at least two types of receptor operate through calcium permeation: a fast-acting ionotropic receptor channel and a slow-activating metabotropic receptor, added to exchangers/transporters/pumps and intracellular Ca 2+ release activated by messengers. These prototypes have gained an enormous amount of information in dynamic signaling circuits. SCCI has also been used as a method to associate phenotypic markers during development and stage transitions in progenitors, stem, vascular cells, neuro- and glioblasts, neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia that operate through ion channels, transporters, and receptors. Also, cancer cells or inducible cell lines from human organoids characterized by transition stages are currently being used to model diseases or reconfigure healthy cells in terms of the expression of calcium-binding/permeable molecules and shed light on therapy.

Simultaneous CMOS-Based Imaging of Calcium Signaling of the Central Amygdala and the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus During Nociception in Freely Moving Mice

“…Previous in vivo investigations on the mechanisms of pain, using calcium imaging, have mostly been done on the spinal cord level, as a necessity for less injurious methods of visualizing neural activity ( Anderson et al, 2018 ; Miller et al, 2018 ; Xu and Dong, 2019 ). Our study is one of the first attempts to simultaneously image pain processing at two relevant brain regions in vivo , addressing the need for multi-site visualization for neuron-network studies ( de Melo Reis et al, 2020 ). Because the protocols we used, from the lens-less CMOS-based fluorescence imaging device usage to the general experimental design modifications, are quite novel, there are many points for improvement that need to be addressed.…”

Abstract Book of 5th International Brain Research School, 16-22 November 2020, Isparta /TURKEY http://2020.brs.org.tr

“…The microglia monocytederived macrophages derived from the peripheral circulation act major and distinct actions in the several neuronal functions such as neuroinflammation and neuronal injury. The activations of microglia are modulated by several factors, including Ca 2+ influxes (de Melo Reis et al 2020).…”

Astrocyte Ca2+ Signaling is Facilitated in an Scn1a+/− Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome

“…For example, we have demonstrated that the long-term culture of astrocytes and changes in astrocyte density can alter neuronal growth and synaptic transmission (14, 15). Advances in Ca 2+ imaging methods have revealed that astrocytes are excitable cells that exhibit intracellular Ca 2+ signaling (16). Astrocytes regulate neuronal activity by releasing glial transmitters and neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, ATP, and D-serine (17).…”