Multi-area recordings and optogenetics in the awake, behaving marmoset

Abstract

The common marmoset has emerged as a key primate model in neuroscience. Marmosets are small in size, show great potential as transgenic models and exhibit complex behaviors. These advantages place the marmoset model in the critical gap between rodents and larger primates. Thus, it is necessary to develop technology that enables monitoring and manipulation of the neural circuits underlying the behavior of the marmoset. Here, we present a novel approach to record and optogenetically manipulate neural activity in the awake, behaving marmoset. Our design utilizes a light-weight, 3D printed titanium chamber that can house several high-density silicon probes for semi-chronic recordings, while enabling simultaneous optogenetic stimulation. Surgical procedures are streamlined via custom 3D printed guides and implantation holders. We demonstrate the application of our method by recording multi- and single-unit data from areas V1 and V6 with 192 channels simultaneously, and show for the first time that optogenetic activation of excitatory neurons in area V6 can influence behavior in a detection task. Together, the work presented here will support future studies investigating the neural basis of perception and behavior in the marmoset.