Core technical expertise
Electrophysiology allows us to delve into the dynamic interplay of ions and proteins that generate electrical signals in neurons and neural circuits, providing a comprehensive understanding of your compounds' effects at the cellular and molecular levels.
However, our approach isn't limited to just one technique. We employ a multidisciplinary strategy that integrates a variety of state-of-the-art techniques. By combining electrophysiology with these cutting-edge approaches, we strive to offer detailed insights into the mechanisms of action of your compounds while ensuring the reliability and validity of our findings.
Patch-clamp
This technique allows for the precise measurement of a single cell's electrical activity, detecting sub-millisecond variations in membrane potential. This high level of precision makes it an ideal choice for investigating the intricate details of ion channel function, synaptic transmission, and neuronal excitability.
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Extremely precise data on single cell physiology.
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It can be used in any brain or spinal cord structure and allows targeted recordings of specific cell types.
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Allow targeted pre or post synaptic manipulations specifically.
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Essential when studying the mechanisms of action and pharmacological profile of a compound.
Multi-electrode array
Field recordings are a valuable technique in neuroscience, used to extracellularly capture the activity of a population of neurons, also known as field potentials. This method provides a broader perspective on neural activity, allowing researchers to study the collective behavior of neurons within a specific brain region.
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Particularly useful in investigating the synchronized activity of neural networks
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Several localized neuronal populations are recorded simultaneously in a given slice.
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Faster than patch-clamp, allows for a quick screening of several compounds or doses at mid-throughput data production.
Calcium imaging
Calcium imaging can be combined to extra- or intra-cellular recordings or be employed alone. This approach measures the activity of individual cells (e.g. expressing a calcium-dependent fluorescent dye) in culture or in slices via the identification of calcium transients. Calcium is indeed a hallmark of neuronal activity as neurotransmitter release requires significant increase in intracellular calcium levels.
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Can be used in slices or in cultures and combined to extracellular recordings or patch-clamp
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Particularly useful in studying the spatial organization of neuronal activity and the functional connectivity between different brain regions
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Complementary approach to determine the effect of test compounds on neuronal activity and calcium channels in multiple locations simultaneously
Optogenetic stimulations
This method involves the use of light-sensitive proteins to control the activity of specific neurons with high precision, selectively activating or inhibiting neurons using controlled light pulses.
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Particularly useful in studying the functional connectivity of neural circuits and the role of specific cell types in information processing.
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This technique offers a unique level of control and specificity at the single cell level.
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Can be employed in any brain and spinal cord area and target any cell type (e.g. using viral transfection on organotypic slice cultures).
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Can be combined to patch-clamp and/or calcium imaging for detailed insights.
Other capabilities
Because we are committed to providing a tailored approach to meet your research needs, our capabilities extend beyond electrophysiology, encompassing a range of classically used techniques to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of action of your compounds.
Our expertise includes pharmacology to investigate the interactions between your compounds and their targets, helping to elucidate their effects on neural function. We also utilize a variety of imaging techniques histology and immunochemistry, allowing us to study the structure and composition of biological tissues at the microscopic level.
Depending on the context, we can perform recordings on specific transgenic animal models, providing a more relevant and translatable understanding of your compounds' effects. We can also employ acute or chronic compound administration, allowing us to study both immediate and long-term effects.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for any details or to get a more comprehensive understanding of what we can do to help you.