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Minimally invasive upconversion optogenetics for Parkinson's disease treatment
Xinsheng Li1, Xiaoran Wang2, Ting Zhou3
1School of Medical Imaging, School of Medical Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300203, China.
Biomaterials
|June 20, 2025
Summary
This study introduces upconversion optogenetics, a minimally invasive technique for Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment. It effectively improves motor function in PD mice without the damage associated with traditional optogenetics.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neurological Disorders
Background:
- Levodopa treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) is limited by severe motor complications.
- Conventional optogenetics offers therapeutic potential but requires invasive fiber insertion, causing damage and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a minimally invasive optogenetic strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment.
- To evaluate the efficacy of upconversion optogenetics in improving motor function in PD models.
Main Methods:
- Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) was expressed in the globus pallidus externus (GPe) of PD mice.
- Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were injected, and near-infrared (NIR) light was used to activate GPe via UCNP-converted blue light.
- Motor function was assessed using open field and rotarod tests.
Main Results:
- Upconversion optogenetics significantly improved motor abilities and coordination in PD mice.
- Therapeutic effects were comparable to conventional optogenetics but without invasive fiber insertion damage.
- Neural activation effects lasted up to one week and could target deep brain regions.
Conclusions:
- Upconversion optogenetics provides a minimally invasive and effective treatment for PD.
- This novel approach offers potential therapeutic applications for various neurological disorders.
- The method avoids damage and inflammation associated with traditional optogenetic interventions.
