Electrophysiology Core Facility
Joint facility between MultiPark and Stem Cell Center
The joint Electrophysiology Core Facility, supported by MultiPark and Stem Cell Center at Lund University, provides researchers with access to advanced electrophysiology techniques and expert guidance for investigating electrically active cells and tissues, helping to bring their projects to the forefront of the field.
We invite you to contact us to discuss your research needs and set up a consultation meeting to explore how functional assays can boost the impact and depth of your findings. Our expert team of research engineers is available to assist at every stage of your project, from study design to data analysis.
Equipment
The facility is equipped with a vibratome for precise slice preparation and two advanced patch-clamp setups:
- The F09 rig offers high spatial resolution with a confocal/2-photon microscope, enabling precise imaging alongside electrophysiological recordings. It is situated in a dedicated lab located in BMC on floor F09.
- The B10 rig features a high-speed Hamamatsu camera for exceptional time resolution, such as for performing calcium imaging, and can be adapted for use with a multi-electrode array (MEA) to record extracellular field potentials. It is located in the stem cell culture lab in BMC floor B10.
More detailed information on the rigs can be found in the accordion menus below.
Both platforms support a range of applications, including patch-clamp recordings, optogenetics, epifluorescence, and live calcium imaging, making them versatile tools for a wide variety of research needs.
The F09 setup is centered around a Molecular Devices Axopatch 700B amplifier with a Digidata 1440 digitizer. It is designed for use with both cells grown on coverslips and brain slice preparations, allowing for up to 2-channel recordings. These recordings can be paired with electrical stimulation via an isolated current stimulator or pharmacological stimulation using a picospitzer. Additionally, an epifluorescence light system is available for optogenetic applications. The rig is integrated with a Zeiss LSM 710 NLO microscope, offering confocal and 2-photon laser imaging capabilities. This enables simultaneous electrophysiological recordings with live calcium imaging or detailed imaging of anatomical structures in cells loaded with fluorescent dyes via recording pipettes.
Applications of the F09 Electrophysiology Platform
- Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology
High-resolution recordings of ion channel activity in cells grown on coverslips or brain slice preparations. Ideal for investigating synaptic plasticity, ion channel function, and membrane properties. - Simultaneous Electrophysiology and Imaging
Perform live calcium imaging or detailed anatomical imaging in combination with electrophysiological recordings, using the integrated Zeiss LSM 710 NLO microscope for confocal or 2-photon laser imaging. - Neuropharmacological Studies
Study the effects of pharmacological agents on neuronal activity by applying drugs via the picospitzer, while monitoring real-time electrophysiological responses. - Optogenetic Experiments
Investigate optogenetically-controlled neural circuits by combining the epifluorescence light system for optogenetic stimulation with real-time electrophysiological recordings. - Synaptic Plasticity and Signal Transmission
Explore synaptic plasticity, transmission dynamics, and neuronal network properties by evoking and recording synaptic responses using stimulating electrodes and multi-channel recording. - Stem Cell and Neurodegeneration Research
Examine the functional integration of stem cell-derived neurons or neural progenitor cells within neural circuits, and monitor their electrophysiological properties over time. - Circuit Mapping and Connectivity Analysis
Map neuronal circuits and analyze connectivity in brain slices, combining electrical stimulation with detailed calcium imaging to study network interactions.
Research engineer in charge: Claire Piochon, PhD
Claire Piochon holds a PhD in Neuroscience from Paris University. She developed extensive expertise in patch-clamp electrophysiology and live calcium imaging during her postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago, where she focused on synaptic plasticity in Autism Spectrum Disorders. At Northwestern University, she broadened her research to neurodevelopmental disorders like Fragile X syndrome, utilizing human IPSC-derived neurons.
With industry experience at Eli Lilly, a global pharmaceutical company, and Metrion Biosciences, a CRO specializing in electrophysiology services for drug development, Claire joined the Electrophysiology Core Facility at Lund University. She is eager to support a wide range of research projects and is available to collaborate on experimental design, data analysis, and customized electrophysiological protocols. Researchers are encouraged to reach out to discuss how the F09 platform can enhance their research.
Selected Publications
Piochon C, Levenes C, Titley HK, Hansel C. (2022). The calcium sensor, rather than the route of calcium entry, defines cerebellar plasticity pathways. PNAS. PMID: 35193964
He Q, Arroyo ED, Smukowski SN, Xu J, Piochon C, Savas JN, Portera-Cailliau C, Contractor A. (2019). Critical period inhibition of NKCC1 rectifies synapse plasticity in the somatosensory cortex and restores adult tactile response maps in fragile X mice. Molecular Psychiatry. PMID: 29703945
Piochon C, Titley HK, Simmons DH, Grasselli G, Elgersma Y, Hansel C. (2016). Calcium threshold shift enables frequency-independent control of plasticity by an instructive signal. PNAS. PMID: 27799554
Piochon C, Kloth AD, Grasselli G, et al. (2014). Cerebellar plasticity and motor learning deficits in a copy-number variation mouse model of autism. Nature Communication. PMID: 25418414
Piochon C, Levenes C, Ohtsuki G, Hansel C. (2010). Purkinje cell NMDA receptors assume a key role in synaptic gain control in the mature cerebellum. Journal of Neuroscience. PMID: 21068337
From the Lund Stem Cell Center B10 Platform webpage:
"The B10 set-up consists of a HEKA EPC10 double-patch clamp amplifier, an Olympus BX51WI microscope with multi-channel fluorescence capability and differential interference contrast for live imaging and optical manipulation of cells (e.g. optogenetics and calcium imaging), and a Hamamatsu C11440-10C camera. This set-up is also equipped with a Multielectrode Array (MEA) system and there is a possibility to perform micromanipulator assisted collection of single cells for qPCR (Patch-Seq). Located on B10, inside the cell culture laboratory, this set-up is ideal for, but not restricted to, investigation of in vitro generated and expanded cell lines and cultures."
More information on the system can be found here: https://www.stemcellcenter.lu.se/core-facilities-0/electrophysiology-core-facility/b10-platform
Research engineer in charge: Jenny Wickham, PhD
Services and Charges
Services
- Assisted Data Acquisition
Includes experimental design, data collection, and analysis, providing expert assistance throughout the process. - Full service
Scientific contribution to the project, including study planning/design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results. This also includes the illustration and description of methods and results.
Note: Full service terms should be discussed with the facility management. - Consulting and Training
Consultation services to help plan and design experiments, as well as training for researchers on equipment use and methodology. - Access to Equipment for Independent Use
For well-trained scientists with prior documented experience, access to the equipment can be granted for independent use upon agreement. - Development of New Assays on Demand
The facility can develop custom electrophysiology assays to meet specific research needs.
Electrophysiology Facility Fees 2024 (in SEK)
Excluding overhead costs
Service | Half day (up to 4 hours) | Full day (up to 8 hours) |
|---|---|---|
Unassisted | ||
| Electrophysiology recording | 1000 | 1700 |
| Calcium imaging | 1000 | 1700 |
| MEA | 1000 | 1700 |
| Vibratome | 800 | 1200 |
Assisted | ||
| Electrophysiology recording | 1800 | 3500 |
| Calcium imaging | 1800 | 3500 |
| MEA | 1800 | 3500 |
| Vibratome | 1200 | 2000 |
| Data analysis | 1500 | 3000 |
Other | ||
| Consultation meeting | Free | Free |
| Mandatory training | 1500 | 3000 |
Important notes
- Unassisted electrophysiology recording is only available for well-trained scientists with documented experience in electrophysiology. Independent use is granted under particular conditions after review by the facility management.
- Reagents and Supplies: Commonly used reagents, buffers, and drugs are included in the service. However, if a specific reagent or drug is required for your project, you will need to provide it as well as the MSDS of the product, or we can assist you with ordering.
- Consultation Meeting: Consulting is free of charge and mandatory for all new projects. Each project begins with a consultation meeting to discuss the nature of the experiments, expectations, and desired outcomes. The project will then be assigned to the appropriate platform and research engineer.
- Unassisted Use of Equipment: Researchers may perform certain experiments unassisted after receiving initial training (minimum 1 day of assisted work). The facility must approve the user’s competency before granting unassisted access.
- Revocation of Access: The facility reserves the right to revoke access to equipment if the user consistently misuses the equipment or fails to maintain clean and safe working conditions within the facility.
Why Functional Assays Matter
Neuronal tissues communicate via electro-chemical signals, and without functional assays, we can only speculate whether these cells are performing as expected or exhibiting pathological behavior. Electrophysiology offers unparalleled precision, real-time data, and provides definitive answers.
Whether for understanding brain function, exploring disease mechanisms, testing drugs, or validating genetic models, electrophysiology remains the gold standard for unlocking the complexities of the nervous system. The work requires precision and expertise, but the insights gained are invaluable!
Contact us!
For bookings and consultations, please reach out to us at electrophysiology [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se (electrophysiology[at]med[dot]lu[dot]se)
Alternatively, you can contact any of the team members directly (see information below)
Team
Claire Piochon, PhD
Facility manager (F09 Platform)
Expert in patch-clamp electrophysiology combined with live tissue imaging
Email: claire [dot] piochon [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se
Jenny Wickham, PhD
Facility manager (B10 Platform)
Expert electrophysiologist and MEA specialist
Email: jenny [dot] wickham [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se