Optogenetics A Light Switch for the

Brain

What is Optogenetics?

Optogenetics is an emerging field that combines optics and genetic engineering. It helps better understanding of the brain functions and even controlling it.

“It paves the way for new therapies that could target a number of psychiatric disorders

HistoryOptogenetics is the integration of optics and genetics to achieve gain of previous loss of function of events within cells of living tissue

Optogenetics was first invented in 2006 at Standford by Karl Deisseroth, MD

How it worksUse channel rhodopsin gene to excited the nerve when light hits the nerve

Use halo rhodopsin gene to inhibited the nerve when light hits the nerve

Six Steps of Optogenetics

Create a genetic construct

Insert construct into virus

Inject virus into

Insert optrode fiberoptic cable plus electrode

Laser light opens ion channel in neurons

Record behavioral results

Pros Optogenetics is less invasive than electrical stimulationResponse time is faster than other treatmentsActivate or stop certain groups of neurons in the circuits with a precise electrophysiology

Possible cures for:

Anxiety

Addiction

Chronic pain

Sleep disorders

Attention Deficit Disorder

Migraine

The advantage of the field

The beauty of this optogenetic technique is its specificity

The virus is only injected into a very small part of the brain, and only a certain class of neurons. The sharp laser beam further zeros in on a small portion of the brain.

Drugs and electrodes have a much broader reach

the technique has been used to control and explore neural circuits in fish, flies and rodents

ConsLimitations include the introducing a foreign gene into the human brain

Fiber optics could pose the threat of infection and being uncomfortable and having to carry heavy batteriesCost Reports of depression and causing falls

Assumed future benefits of optogenetics

Knowing what causes the brain of Alzheimer patients to fail.

using light-emitting neural prosthetics to replace the electrodes used in deep brain stimulation, which currently activate or silence a broad range of neurons.

treatment of Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and depression

Ethical issueswould optogenetics be used for mind-altering drugs for personal recreation or for making criminals more compliant?

Who would regulate the techniques and products made possible by optogenetics?

These questions do not have easy answers and the more complex optogenetics becomes, the tougher the questions get.

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