Proteins brighten the brain

Life Sci. 2016 Dec 15:167:1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.10.024. Epub 2016 Oct 22.

Abstract

Through selective activation/inhibition or dissection of neuronal circuits, optogenetic tools have raised hopes for a better understanding of neuropsychiatric mechanisms and therapeutic targets for various disorders. Although, overcoming serious limitations result in from conventional neuronal circuit study, this method has its own imperfections, such as optogenetic modulation of neural activity, using an internal, animal-generated, light source. In this review, limitations of external light delivery systems and possible approaches for using internal light sources in laboratory animals and perhaps, human being, are being addressed.

Keywords: Bioluminescence; Neurological disorders; Optogenetic.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Humans
  • Luminescent Measurements / instrumentation
  • Luminescent Measurements / methods
  • Luminescent Proteins / analysis*
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Nervous System Diseases / genetics
  • Nervous System Diseases / metabolism
  • Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Optical Devices*
  • Optogenetics / instrumentation
  • Optogenetics / methods*
  • Protein Engineering / methods

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins