A protocol to generate a co-culture system consisting of neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), primary cortical neurons and astrocytes is described. This co-culture system allows detection of the formation of synaptic contacts and circuits between new, iPSC-derived neurons and pre-existing cortical neurons expressing channelrhodopsin-2.
Su, C. T. E., Yoon, S., Marcy, G., Chin, E. W. M., Augustine, G. J., Goh, E. L. K. An Optogenetic Approach for Assessing Formation of Neuronal Connections in a Co-culture System. J. Vis. Exp. (96), e52408, doi:10.3791/52408 (2015).