Title:Optogenetics of the Spinal Cord: Use of Channelrhodopsin Proteins for Interrogation of Spinal Cord Circuits
Volume: 19
Issue: 7
Author(s): Md Habibur Rahman, Youngpyo Nam, Jae-Hong Kim, Won-Ha Lee and Kyoungho Suk*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu,Korea
Keywords:
Optogenetics, channelrhodopsin, spinal cord, neurons, glia, pain, locomotion.
Abstract: Spinal cord circuits play a key role in receiving and transmitting somatosensory information
from the body and the brain. They also contribute to the timing and coordination of complex patterns of
movement. Under disease conditions, such as spinal cord injury and neuropathic pain, spinal cord circuits
receive pain signals from peripheral nerves, and are involved in pain development via neurotransmitters
and inflammatory mediators released from neurons and glial cells. Despite the importance of
spinal cord circuits in sensory and motor functions, many questions remain regarding the relationship
between activation of specific cells and behavioral responses. Optogenetics offers the possibility of understanding
the complex cellular activity and mechanisms of spinal cord circuits, as well as having
therapeutic potential for addressing spinal cord-related disorders. In this review, we discuss recent findings
in optogenetic research employing the channelrhodopsin protein to assess the function of specific
neurons and glia in spinal cord circuits ex vivo and in vivo. We also explore the possibilities and challenges
of employing optogenetics technology in future therapeutic strategies for the treatment of spinal
disorders.
