Optogenetic strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

Optogenetic tools and strategies, as an innovative approach to control neurodegenerative diseases, have been developed inrecent years with the application of a combination of optical and genetic techniques on a certain group of cells of living tissue. With this technique, a particular cell type and their predefined pathway can be controlled precisely. The basic steps ofthis optogenetics include discovery and placing of light-sensitive molecules into cells to provide optical control and applications in animal experiments. Strategies for suppressing neurons are based on activation of light-sensitive prokaryotic membrane proteins that act as ion channels and transporters. Optogenetic strategies that are adapted clinically have the capacity to provide temporal, regional and cellular specific delivery in ways that no other treatment may suggest. Engineering channelrhodopsin (CR) molecule and its expression are very important in terms of optogenetic experiments. Because experimentsconducted with conventional CR are not suitable for testing chronic long-term studies, there is a certain need for a controlledmedium for optogenetic neurodegenerative disease experiments.