The goal of the Optogenetics Pilot Program is to facilitate the incorporation of optogenetics methods into existing research programs at the Anschutz Medical Campus. Optogenetics encompasses a set of methods by which cellular function can be manipulated with light, allowing unprecedented spatiotemporal control of a rapidly expanding set of biological activities. We hope to make this set of tools more accessible to novice users on campus via the following services:
1) Design and fabrication of light delivery devices for in vivo optical stimulation.
2) Consultation on adopting/optimizing the use of optogenetic methods.
3) Construction and maintenance of a dedicated confocal microscope for ex vivo and in vitro optogenetics and electrophysiology experiments.
Additional services may be added based on the needs of the user community.
The Program is supported by the University of Colorado School of Medicine Academic Enrichment Fund.
Some useful links:
http://www.stanford.edu/group/dlab/optogenetics/ - General resource for optogenetics at Stanford University
http://www.optogeneticsapp.com/ - Useful application for calculating light-delivery needs
for optogenetics research, developed in house (coming soon!)