Expression of functional light-activated ion channels in embryonic chick muscle (731.1)

Optogenetic tools allow for fine control of targeted populations of neurons. Muscle cells are an electrically excitable cell type that could be targeted for regulation by optogenes. Our lab studies the effects of altered embryonic movement and sensory feedback on the neural development of chick embryos. Previously, we have used electroporation of a modified transposon-based expression system into the neural tube of embryos to introduce excitatory and inhibitory light-activated ion channels into neural tissue (Sharp and Fromherz, 2011). Similar to neurons, muscle cells can be induced to contract in response to changes in membrane potential. Therefore, we have transformed muscle precursor cells in the somites of embryonic day (E) 3 chick embryos with the goal of being able to control the activity of muscles in ovo. We have observed expression of ChR2 in muscle of intact embryos and sectioned tissue via a fluorescent reporter molecule as late in development as E16. Sectioned muscle tissue reveals patterns of...