Optogenetics: Therapeutic spark in neuropathic pain.

Long Wang,Kang Liu

doi:10.17305/bjbms.2019.4114

Abstract

Optogenetics is an emerging field, which uses light and molecular genetics to manipulate the activity of live cells by expressing light-sensitive proteins. With the discovery of bacteriorhodopsin, a light-sensitive bacterial protein, in 1971 Oesterhelt and Stoeckenius laid the pavement of optogenetics. However, the cross-integration of different disciplines is a little more than a decade old. The toolbox contains fluorescent sensors and optogenetic actuators that enable visualization of signaling events and manipulation of cellular activities, respectively. Neuropathic pain is pain caused either by damage or disease that affects the somatosensory system. The exact mechanism for neuropathic pain is not known, however proposed mechanisms include immune reactions, ion channel expressions, and inflammation. Current regimen for the disease provides about 50% relief for only 40-60% of patients. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate the potential therapeutic applications of optogenetics by manipulating the activity of neurons. This review summarizes the basic concept, therapeutic applications for neuropathy, and potential of optogenetics to reach from bench to bedside in the near future.

Highlights

Neuropathic pain (NP) is pain caused either by damage or disease that affects the somatosensory nervous system centrally (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, post-stroke, etc.) or peripherally (polyneuropathies related to diabetes, chemotherapy, alcoholism, infection, etc.) [1]
Neuropathic pain (NP) is pain caused either by damage or disease that affects the somatosensory nervous system centrally or peripherally [1]
A better understanding of epigenetic regulation of the disease could lead to innovations and, should be among the major focuses of future therapeutic approaches

Summary

Introduction

Neuropathic pain (NP) is pain caused either by damage or disease that affects the somatosensory nervous system centrally (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, post-stroke, etc.) or peripherally (polyneuropathies related to diabetes, chemotherapy, alcoholism, infection, etc.) [1]. This light-sensitive technology has revolutionized the study of neuroscience with single-cell and millisecond-precision control of neurons [9] in living systems. Kang Liu and Long Wang: Optogenetics and neuropathic pain with illumination of a specific light spectrum, whereas the genetic part is associated with the expression of a modified opsin protein in cells.

Results

Conclusion