Recording and Manipulation of Cell Signaling with Multifunctional Fibers

In this talk, I will highlight the recent developments in multimaterial fiber technology that enable recording and modulation of signaling in neuronal as well as non-neuronal cells. Although electrogenic cells such as neurons can be manipulated via electrical signals, the ability to manipulate or record from genetically identifiable neuronal subtypes demands optical or chemical techniques. Using multimaterial fiber technology, our group has demonstrated how optical and chemical recording and manipulation methods can be combined with traditional electrical approaches. Additionally, given emergence of evidence supporting the critical role of signaling between neurons and tumor cells in the development of brain cancers, our group has developed interfaces to optically probe signaling in non-electrogenic tumor cells. As the studies of neuron-tumor interactions require non-immunogenic functional interfaces with both neuronal and tumor tissues, my talk will highlight the materials advances aimed reducing the impact of the implantable tools on local biological environments. Together, our advances in multifunctional, non-immunogenic fiber-based probes pave the way toward unraveling the roles of communication between neuronal and non-neuronal cells in the context of health and disease.