This article, published on April 3, 2019, is about Ed Boyden, the founder of optogenetics. This article interests me because I work in a lab on campus in which we use optogenetics. Recognizing that the brain’s neurons communicate using electrical pulses, Ed Boyden wanted to invent a technique to further define the neural circuits in the brain. The technique uses proteins called opsins from natural sources such as bacteria and fungi, that are light-gated ion channels. A neuron is made to expresses these opsins using injection on a viral vector, so when a light is shined on the neuron, it is depolarized and fires action potentials. This technique relates to material in this course because it can be used to further elucidate the neural circuits involved in pretty much everything. For example, in my lab, we are using optogenetics to find the neural circuits involved in sensorimotor gating, something that patients with schizophrenia have an inability to do. If we can find the circuit, we will be better able to design treatments for patients with schizophrenia. In order to further the technique of optogenetics, less invasive applications would be ideal, although these do not exist yet. As Ed Boyden mentions, we need better methods to watch the brain in action. The only way we can do this in the lab right now is by decapitating the mice and harvesting their brains.
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