Neurodegenerative Disorders Through the Lens of Optogenetics

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorder, as the name suggests, encompasses progressive neuronal degeneration that renders patients with a lack of, or at the very least dysfunctional cognition, motor senses, and bodily functions. The progressive worsening of the condition in conjugation with the lack of therapeutic measures makes them very difficult to bear. Optogenetics, as discussed below, offers an approach that has contributed to the research for a solution to neurological degeneration at two fronts. The tools in the disciple help us employ microbial opsins to gain pinpoint control over neuronal firing. Furthermore, the engagements after an inhibitory or stimulatory control have been gained over neural circuitry have been insightful in understanding the progression of neurological pathologies. The following review will delve into the therapies available for Alzheimer's Disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's Disease, Multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's Disease and explore the research insights. Keywords: Optogenetics, Neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Huntington’s Chorea