The present protocol describes the generation of Drosophila melanogaster expressing eNpHR2.0 or ReaChR opsins in the heart for OCT imaging and optogenetic heart pacing. Detailed instructions for Drosophila OCT imaging and heart beating modulation, including the simulation of restorable heart arrest, bradycardia, and tachycardia in live animals at different developmental stages, are reported.
Gracheva, E., Wang, F., Matt, A., Liang, H., Fishman, M., Zhou, C. Developing Drosophila melanogaster Models for Imaging and Optogenetic Control of Cardiac Function. J. Vis. Exp. (186), e63939, doi:10.3791/63939 (2022).