Optogenetics

Optogenetics is a rapidly developing branch of neuroscience research that involves the use of light to control cells in living tissue, usually neurons. It has been used to probe the effects of manipulating the activity of individual or small populations of neurons in the brain for understanding neural circuits. Since the introduction of this technique, scientists have made extraordinary progress in understanding how neuronal circuits enable complex behaviors. Optogenetics has been used to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, and the effects of traumatic brain injury. Additionally, it has helped to reveal the links between patterns of activity in neurons and behavior. Finally, optogenetics has also been used to develop novel therapeutic approaches for controlling brain disorders and diseases using light.