Optogenetic Approaches for Controlling Seizure Activity

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Jack K. Tung, Georgia Institute of Technology; Ken Berglund, Emory University; Robert Gross, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2016-11
• Publisher: Elsevier: 12 months
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2016.06.055
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Brain Stimulation
• ISSN: 1935-861X
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 6
• Start Page: 801
• End Page: 810
• Grant/Funding Information: This work was supported by NIH NS079268, NS079757, NS086433 and NSF 1512826.
• Keywords: LONG-TERM; Science & Technology; RESPONSIVE CORTICAL STIMULATION; Neurosciences & Neurology; TEMPORAL-LOBE EPILEPSY; Neuromodulation; DEEP BRAIN-STIMULATION; ELECTRICAL-STIMULATION; GENE-THERAPY; VAGUS-NERVE-STIMULATION; Neurosciences; Optogenetics; INTRACTABLE EPILEPSY; EPILEPTIFORM ACTIVITY; Clinical Neurology; Epilepsy; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; CENTROMEDIAN THALAMIC NUCLEUS
• Research Categories: Biology, Neuroscience

Abstract

Optogenetics, a technique that utilizes light-sensitive ion channels or pumps to activate or inhibit neurons, has allowed scientists unprecedented precision and control for manipulating neuronal activity. With the clinical need to develop more precise and effective therapies for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, these tools have recently been explored as a novel treatment for halting seizure activity in various animal models. In this review, we provide a detailed and current summary of these optogenetic approaches and provide a perspective on their future clinical application as a potential neuromodulatory therapy.