Optogenetics combines optics and genetic engineering. It helps better understanding of the brain functions and even controlling it.

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.