Optogenetic animal models for depression and other psychiatric conditions

Researchers in Prof. Karl Deisseroth's laboratory have developed specific, inducible animal models for depression that use targeted optogenetic strategies to precisely dissect the neuronal circuits underlying the condition. This technique can be used to induce individual behavioral symptoms (e.g. hopelessness, psychomotor retardation, avolition, anhedonia, and dysphoria/psychic pain) to evaluate the effects of therapeutic candidates. These animal models have applications for basic research and drug development.

Stage of Research
The inventors have performed mechanistic studies and identified several different neuronal circuits that can be targeted in rodents to induce specific depression-like symptoms.