Multipurpose two photon microscope for ex vivo imaging and electrophysiology

• Subject Area: Neurosciences
• Term: Funded in 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 579567135

The Duo-2PMS is a high-performance, multipurpose two-photon (2P) system designed to enable advanced imaging of neural activity at cellular and synaptic resolution. Its flexible design supports a range of planned applications including two-photon imaging of neuronal activity, imaging of endogenously released peptides and structural imaging in ex vivo slice preparations after behavioral manipulations. The system allows for simultaneous imaging of two populations of neurons, targeted point stimulation (1P/2P) of defined regions of interest within different neuronal compartments, 1P LED-based widefield stimulation, as well as epifluorescence 1P imaging for detection of common fluorescent proteins. In addition, it includes an electrophysiology unit, enabling patch-clamp recordings and local field potential measurements to link cellular and network-level activity. Duo-2PMS will provide a shared platform at the Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University, for the investigation of neural circuits, synaptic plasticity, and molecular as well as intercellular signaling pathways in ex vivo slice preparations. It will thereby also stimulate collaboration of groups at the IBIO and with their partners on campus and support their integration into regional and supraregional research networks. Planned projects include investigations of hippocampal memory-associated cellular engrams in relation to conditions such as amygdala hyperactivity, early life stress, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The ability to combine 1P/2P imaging with electrophysiological methods will be of particular importance to this end. Other projects aim at dissecting molecular and circuit mechanisms of hippocampal plasticity and stress resilience. Therein we will combine two-photon imaging, genetic labeling strategies and optogenetic control to analyze molecular mechanisms and signaling pathway function (e.g., protein kinases) in specific cell populations after stress. Moreover, we will expand on circuit modulation processes by mapping responsive neurons and potential pathway convergence. To this end, we will again combine two-photon imaging with patch-clamp electrophysiology and functionally map the connection of subicular inputs to the mammillary bodies and anterior thalamus. Moreover, we will explore how orexin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) signaling regulate hippocampal circuits and stress resilience. We will apply ex vivo two-photon imaging after genetic and viral intervention to study orexinergic modulation of mossy cells and supramammillary inputs to the dentate gyrus, as well as interactions between NPY and local microglia.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Mehrzweck-Zwei-Photonen-Mikroskop für ex-vivo-Bildgebung und Elektrophysiologie
• Instrumentation Group: 5090 Spezialmikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
• Leader: Professor Dr. Oliver Stork