Optogenetics a light switch for brain
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Optogenetics is a groundbreaking field that integrates optics and genetic engineering to control and understand brain functions, with potential applications in treating psychiatric disorders. Initially developed in 2006, the technique allows precise manipulation of neurons using light, offering advantages over traditional methods like electrical stimulation. However, it raises ethical concerns and limitations, such as the introduction of foreign genes and the risks associated with invasive procedures.
Optogenetics a light switch for brain
- 1. Optogenetics A Light Switch for the Brain
- 2. 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
- 3. History Optogenetics 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
- 4. How it works Use 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
- 5. 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
- 6. Pros Optogenetics is less invasive than electrical stimulation Response time is faster than other treatments Activate or stop certain groups of neurons in the circuits with a precise electrophysiology
- 7. Possible cures for: Anxiety Addiction Chronic pain Sleep disorders Attention Deficit Disorder Migraine
- 8. 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
- 9. the technique has been used to control and explore neural circuits in fish, flies and rodents
- 10. Cons Limitations 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 batteries Cost Reports of depression and causing falls
- 11. 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
- 12. Ethical issues would 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.