Methods for treating parkinson's disease by optically stimulating target cells
AssigneeThe Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
InventorsKarl Deisseroth, Feng Zhang, Viviana Gradinaru
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Abstract
Methods, systems and devices are implemented in connection with light-responsive ion channel molecules. One such method is implemented using a light-activated ion channel molecule that responds to a light stimulus. The method includes engineering the light-activated ion channel molecule in a cell; and activating the ion channel molecule, in response to light stimulus that is provided to the ion channel molecule and that has properties that do not activate a ChR2 ion channel, to allow ions to pass through the light-activated ion channel molecule.
Claims23
A method for treating Parkinson's Disease in an individual, the method comprising:
- a) implanting into the individual a device comprising:
- i) a recombinant expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Volvox carteri light-activated ion channel (VChR1) protein to provide localized depolarization of afferent axons of the subthalamic nucleus (STN);
- and
- ii) a light-delivery mechanism,
- wherein the VChR1 protein is produced in the afferent axons;
- and
- b) activating the VChR1 protein with the light-delivery mechanism, thereby depolarizing the afferent axons and treating the disease.
A treatment method comprising:
- a) implanting into an individual a device comprising:
- i) a recombinant expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Volvox carteri light-activated ion channel (VChR1) protein;
- and
- ii) a light-delivery mechanism,
- wherein the VChR1 protein is produced in a cell in the individual;
- and
- b) activating the VChR1 protein with the light-delivery mechanism, thereby depolarizing the cell and treating the individual.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.