To design and conduct a successful and rigorous optogenetics experiment, there are a few key technical issues that must be considered. These include achieving optimal opsin expression, selecting appropriate stimulation parameters, and validating opsin expression and function. SfN members have the opportunity to submit questions from August 1 – August 16 to Module 7 faculty — Chris Chen, Scott Owen, Julia Lemos, and Shana Augustin — in a Neuronline Community discussion thread. They will answer your questions live on Thursday, August 16, from 1–2 pm EDT, so make sure to visit the Neuronline Community forum then.

In this presentation, Valentina Lo Sardo will introduce the generation of iPSCs from somatic cells and methods of genome editing. Specifically, Lo Sardo will: - Introduce reprogramming, including different cell sources and methods for generating iPSCs. - Describe experimental design and procedure to generate, validate, and maintain iPSCs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), including general considerations on source of variability in iPSCs. - Introduce genome editing techniques. - Explain experimental design and procedure to perform genome editing using TALENs, including general considerations on study design and type of controls.

In this presentation, Hiroko Nobuta will introduce various methods for generating oligodendrocytes from iPS cells. Specifically, Nobuta will: - Describe various methods of generating mouse and human oligodendrocytes and their pros and cons. - Introduce the detailed procedure of the growth factor-mediated human oligodendrocyte generation from iPS cells. - Provide troubleshooting tips for common problems in the growth factor-mediated human oligodendrocyte generation and functional assays.

In this video, Aparna Bhaduri and Madeline Andrews will demonstrate how to use the UCSC Cell Browser.

The articles below were selected by Scott Owen, Chris Chen, Julia Lemos, and Shana Augustin, faculty from Module 7 of SfN’s Optogenetics Training Series. These resources supplement their presentations, Selecting Appropriate Stimulus Parameters for Optogenetic Manipulations and Validating Optogenetic Experiments. Use these resources to optimize, validate, and troubleshoot your optogenetic experiments in order to avoid and address potential confounds.