Optogenetics A Light Switch for the

BrainDerek Schweighart

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 stimulation

Response time is faster than other treatments

Activate or stop certain groups of neurons in the circuits with a precise electrophysiology

Sequence

Possible cures for:

Anxiety

Addiction

Chronic pain

Sleep disorders

Attention Deficit Disorder

Migraine

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 batteries

Cost

Reports of depression and causing falls

Videohttp://www.ted.com/talks/ed_boyden.html

Discussion questions

What other conditions could optogenetics help?

How could it made safer to humans?

How could less foreign (ie) human genes be used in optogenetics?

How could it be run without batteries?

Sourceshttp://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=optogenetics-controlling

http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100505/full/465026a.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ruth-starkman/optogenetics-a-new-techno_b_1700219.html

http://www.nature.com/nmeth/journal/v8/n1/full/nmeth.f.324.html

http://dujs.dartmouth.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/19_pdfsam_11w_final.pdf