Optogenetics in primate cortical networks

The implementation of optogenetics in studies on non-human primates has generally proven quite difficult, but recent successes have paved the way for its rapid increase. Limitations in the genetic tractability in primates, have been somewhat overcome by implementing tailored vectors and promoters to maximize expression and specificity in primates. More recently, implantable devices, including microLED arrays, have made it possible to deliver light deeper into brain tissue, allowing targeting of deeper structures. However, the greatest limitation in applying optogenetics to the primate brain is the complex connections that exist within many neural circuits. In the past, relatively cruder methods such as cooling or pharmacological blockade have been used to examine neural circuit functions, though their limitations were well recognized. In some ways, similar shortcomings remain for optogenetics, with the ability to target a single component of complex neural circuits being the greatest challenge in applying optogenetics to systems neuroscience in primate brains. Despite this, some recent approaches combining Cre-expressing and Cre-dependent vectors have overcome some of these limitations. Here we suggest that optogenetics provides its greatest advantage to systems neuroscientists when applied as a specific tool to complement the techniques of the past, rather than necessarily replacing them.