Optical Tissue Interface

Researchers from Prof. Karl Deisseroth's laboratory have developed techniques for specifically modulating the activity of excitable cells in vivo. This approach introduces light-responsive proteins to create photo-sensitive cells. Then fiber optic technology activates these proteins deep within tissues. The general methods can be used to selectively either stimulate or inhibit a variety of cells, including neurons, heart, and muscle cells, even when the target cells are embedded within a community of other cells. Because this invention offers a privileged channel of communication with specific cells, it offers precise control with less side effects on non-targeted cell populations.

Stage of Research:
The inventors have demonstrated this approach by using it to control motor function in the rat. They were able to optically stimulate targeted cells and also recruit downstream neurons in the motor pathway.

Continued Research
The inventors are actively improving the technology and adapting it to new applications.

Related Technologies:
The Deisseroth lab has identified a variety of rhodopsin-like proteins that can be used in neuromodulation. These are described in Stanford Dockets S05-170, S06-398, S08-105 and S08-348. In addition, Stanford Docket S07-203 describes a similar approach using a device that provides multiple sources of cellular control within one device.