Voltage Probe Neural Stem Cell Lines

In vivo, detection of neuronal activity in populations is key to unraveling the functional mechanisms of the nervous system. Currently, neuronal calcium ion fluorescence imaging is one of the main tools. However, the kinetics of calcium ion fluorescence signals are relatively slow compared to nerve pulse signals, and it is difficult to infer the frequency and number of nerve pulses corresponding to them.

We provide voltage-probe-based neural stem cell development services and related products

Changes in the membrane potential of nerve cells are the most fundamental signals of nerve cell activity. Many protein molecules embedded in the cell membrane change shape when the membrane potential changes and such protein molecules that change shape in response to the membrane potential are also called voltage-sensitive proteins. Alfa Cytology has genetically engineered voltage-sensitive proteins to be linked to fluorescent proteins. When the membrane potential is changed, the change in the voltage-sensitive protein affects the structure of the fluorescent protein, which in turn changes the latter's luminescent properties. This makes it possible to use fluorescence to see changes in membrane potential.

Genetically encoded fluorescent voltage indicators (GEVIs) are voltage-sensitive fluorescent proteins that can change color in response to neuronal cell activation, or reception of signals. GEVI proteins can be expressed in target cells and directly reflect changes in electrical signals in these cells. ArcLight is one of the GEVIs and consists of a voltage-sensitive protein and a pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein (pHluorin). It fluoresces in response to voltage changes in nerve cells, and the fluorescence intensity decreases when the cell membrane potential undergoes depolarization. The genetically encoded voltage indicator tells us about fluctuations in cell membrane potential. It is a more direct reflection of neuronal activity than the calcium indicator. This sensor, unlike conventional electrophysiological techniques, can analyze the activity of multiple defined neurons at the same time.

Developable voltage probe-like neural stem cells

Genetically encoded voltage-indicating switches can respond in real time by changing color as neuronal cells transmit electrical signals. This new tool enables us to study nerve activity from an unprecedented perspective. Alfa Cytology seeks to develop voltage probe-like neural stem cell lines by combining nanoparticles or fluorescent molecular probes that are sensitive to changes in cell membrane potential and have a high signal-to-noise ratio. This will enable in vivo detection of electrical activity in neuronal clusters with high spatial and temporal resolution and over a large area. Please contact us to submit your requirements or for more technical information.