Advances in Optogenetics Applications for Central Nervous System Injuries

Abstract

Injuries to the central nervous system (CNS) often lead to severe neurological dysfunction and even death. However, there are still no effective measures to improve functional recovery following CNS injuries. Optogenetics, an ideal method to modulate neural activity, has shown various advantages in controlling neural circuits, promoting neural remapping, and improving cell survival. In particular, the emerging technique of optogenetics has exhibited promising therapeutic methods for CNS injuries. In this review, we introduce the light-sensitive proteins and light stimulation system that are important components of optogenetic technology in detail and summarize the development trends. In addition, we construct a comprehensive picture of the current application of optogenetics in CNS injuries and highlight recent advances for the treatment and functional recovery of neurological deficits. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic challenges and prospective uses of optogenetics therapy by photostimulation/photoinhibition modalities that would be suitable for clinical applications.

Chemogenetic modulation of astrocytes and microglia: State‐of‐the‐art and implications in neuroscience

“…Practically, the opsins will be activated by light delivered through an optic fiber implanted at the region of interest. The surgical implantation of the optic fiber in the brain region of interest could be considered as a disadvantage compared to chemogenetics (Geng et al, 2023). This can be especially challenging when the technique has to be combined with another technique requiring implantation in the brain such as a microdialysis probe (Zant et al, 2016).…”

“…This can be especially challenging when the technique has to be combined with another technique requiring implantation in the brain such as a microdialysis probe (Zant et al, 2016). Chemogenetics and optogenetics both rely on transgenic animals or viral vectors for the delivery of the genetically modified proteins to the glia (Forcelli, 2017; Geng et al, 2023). Nevertheless, optogenetics has a superior spatiotemporal resolution compared to chemogenetics as the light is emitted only at the brain location of interest while the designer drug is distributed to all tissues and could be beneficial if modulation of larger areas is desired.…”

“…injection in mice (Nagai et al, 2020). As is the case for all cell types, the choice of the DREADD agonist has to be carefully evaluated when considering therapeutic use (which has been extensively covered by EbrahimAmini et al, 2021; Geng et al, 2023; Pestana et al, 2020; Zotova et al, 2013).…”

“…This can be especially challenging when the technique has to be combined with another technique requiring implantation in the brain such as a microdialysis probe (Zant et al, 2016). Chemogenetics and optogenetics both rely on transgenic animals or viral vectors for the delivery of the genetically modified proteins to the glia (Forcelli, 2017;Geng et al, 2023).…”

Sistemas Optoelectrónicos para Terapias Fototérmicas Dirigidas al Cáncer de Piel y Optogenética en la Regeneración de Tejido Nervioso

“…Salvadas las dificultades, el control de la excitabilidad o de las vías de señalización celular de un tejido puede ser clave para reparar y recuperar la funcionalidad de este tras sufrir daños (Ambrosi et al, 2014;Shirai and Hayashi-Takagi, 2017;Geng et al, 2023). Por ello, a continuación se va a enmarcar la optogenética en su aplicación para la regeneración de tejido nervioso.…”