Visual Perception in a Mouse

How do single cells encode visual information?

The Allen Brain Observatory contains imaging data from single, genetically-identified cells across visual cortex. These data were recorded while mice were watching various scenes on a monitor.

In this lab, students analyze two-photon calcium imaging data to investigate how different cell types in the mouse encode visual information.

Learning objectives

Explain how two-photon imaging works
Identify sources of calcium signaling in neurons
Investigate a specific cell type in the Allen Brain Institute dataset
Analyze two-photon imaging data to test a hypothesis about cell types in visual perception

Lesson Contents

Background

Lesson Plan

Background

There are a few important things to note about these experiments:

Despite the poor visual acuity of a mouse, their visual system is a decent model for our own visual perception. We can even use them to study decision-making!
Though calcium signals don't directly track neural signals in the cell, they're a decent proxy for cell activity. Just like any technique, there are benefits and limitations to using calcium imaging instead of electrophysiology.
In this experiment, mice are headfixed. In other words, their skull is attached to a rod which holds them in place for imaging. It's not ideal, but at the moment it's the best way do this type of imaging.

See the slides at right for a full explanation of these topics. Feel free to modify for your own purposes.

If you'd like more details about the dataset, check the detailed Allen Brain Institute Documentation.