Using Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators to Study Astrocyte Physiology: A Field Guide

Christian Lohr; Antonia Beiersdorfer; Timo Fischer; Daniela Hirnet; Natalie Rotermund; Jessica Sauer; Kristina Schulz; Christine E Gee

doi:10.3389/fncel.2021.690147

Using Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators to Study Astrocyte Physiology: A Field Guide

Front Cell Neurosci. 2021 Jun 11:15:690147. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2021.690147. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Christian Lohr¹, Antonia Beiersdorfer¹, Timo Fischer¹, Daniela Hirnet¹, Natalie Rotermund¹, Jessica Sauer¹, Kristina Schulz¹, Christine E Gee²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Neurophysiology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
² Institute of Synaptic Physiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.

Abstract

Ca²⁺ imaging is the most frequently used technique to study glial cell physiology. While chemical Ca²⁺ indicators served to visualize and measure changes in glial cell cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration for several decades, genetically encoded Ca²⁺ indicators (GECIs) have become state of the art in recent years. Great improvements have been made since the development of the first GECI and a large number of GECIs with different physical properties exist, rendering it difficult to select the optimal Ca²⁺ indicator. This review discusses some of the most frequently used GECIs and their suitability for glial cell research.

Keywords: GCaMP; astrocyte; calcium imaging; calcium sensor; genetically encoded calcium indicator; glial cells.