In the last decade several different optical imaging techniques either based on various
voltage or calcium dyes or more recently on modified fluorescent or bioluminescent proteins
(genetically encoded) that are sensitive to calcium have been developed to study neuronal
activity and especially groups of neurons with the goal of mapping and deciphering the neural
code underlying major neurophysiological functions. Genetically Encoded Functional Indicators
brings together expert contributors to present the development of recent genetic techniques
that allow for generating genetically encoded activity sensors in order to investigate neuronal
activity. Each chapter describes a specific sensor and its utilization to study neuronal
activity in a particular way. Written in the Neuromethods series style chapters contain the
kind of key description and implementation advice that guarantees successful results. Helpful
and easy to use Genetically Encoded Functional Indicators aims to inspire students and
researchers and to serve as a useful guide to those who wish to start using these different
brain imaging techniques and require a bit of guidance in how best to choose a technique to
match the goal of their study.
