Virus-Mediated Gene Transfer Into the Mouse Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus for Light-Induced Auditory Stimulation

Source: Kozin, E. D., et.al. Direct Visualization of the Murine Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus for Optogenetic Stimulation of the Auditory Pathway. J. Vis. Exp. (2015)This video demonstrates virus-mediated gene transfer into the mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) to enable light-induced auditory stimulation. A viral vector encoding opsin, a light-sensitive ion channel, is injected into the DCN following a craniotomy and cerebellar aspiration for direct access. The expressed opsins allow neurons to be activated by light, providing a model for studying auditory pathway responses using optogenetics.