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Optogenetics: Enhancement of the technique

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Sharvari Gaikwad
Optogenetics: Enhancement of the technique

Optogenetics is a biological approach that uses light to regulate the activity of neurons and other cell types. This is accomplished by precisely expressing light-sensitive ion channels, pumps, or enzymes in the target cells. Light-activated enzymes and transcription factors provide precise regulation of biochemical signalling pathways at the level of individual cells. The capacity to regulate the activity of a genetically specified group of neurons has been utilised in systems neuroscience to better understand their role in decision-making, learning, fear memory, mating, and addiction. A blind patient's eyesight was partially restored in the first medical application of optogenetic technology.

 

 

The desired light-sensitive ion channels are introduced into a target gene by viral vectors in optogenetics. After transduction, these light-sensitive ion channels turn on or off in response to illumination, allowing researchers to investigate disease patterns and therapy efficacy. Even the more complicated tissues of the live brain may be investigated with this method. For example, in a mouse experiment, "light pipes" send light to specific parts of the brain, stimulating olfactory nerves to engage the motor centre, which then activates physical action.

 

Despite the recent creation of optogenetic technology to monitor the activity of neurons in the brain, researchers have achieved significant progress in this area. It has aided in the research of the brain circuit's performance and the recording of the neurons' activity that connects the two hemispheres of the cerebrum.

 

Additionally, optogenetics may be used to investigate a wide range of brain illnesses. Furthermore, channelrhodopsin and halorhodopsin proteins were used in this procedure, which aids in the research of brain stimulation by identifying neural networks. Furthermore, optogenetics is utilised to improve the efficacy of some disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.

Read more @ https://www.tradove.com/blog/Optogenetics-Know-About-Its-Applications.html

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