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Updated: Jan 16, 2026
In Vivo Wireless Optogenetic Control of Skilled Motor Behavior
Published on: November 22, 2021
A wireless optogenetic stimulation system for long-term function evaluation of mice forelimb with sub-nerve
Mingjie Zhou1, Biao Yan1,2, Fukui Yang3
1Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Limbs Reconstruction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Institute of Hand Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disorders, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
This study introduces a new implantable optogenetic system for precise, long-term evaluation of peripheral nerve function after injuries. The technology aids in understanding nerve regeneration and improving personalized treatments for nerve repair.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Peripheral nerve injuries often lead to unpredictable functional recovery.
- Long-term evaluation of nerve function is critical for assessing treatment efficacy.
- Current methods lack the precision for detailed, long-term assessment of nerve plexus function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fully implantable, wireless, and reprogrammable optogenetic stimulation system.
- To enable long-term, sub-nerve resolution functional evaluation of peripheral nerve plexus.
- To assess the system's utility in a mouse model of nerve transfer after traumatic brain injury.
Main Methods:
- Developed a multisite optogenetic stimulation system for wireless, long-term implantation.
- Utilized Thy1-ChR2-EYFP mice for optogenetic stimulation of specific nerve fascicles.
- Applied the system to a mouse model of nerve transfer following traumatic brain injury to map innervation patterns.
Main Results:
- The system successfully induced distinct compound muscle action potentials and forelimb movements.
- Demonstrated sub-nerve resolution stimulation and functional mapping.
- Revealed detailed innervation patterns of transferred and adjacent nerves over 12 weeks post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- The developed optogenetic system provides refined electrophysiological and motor function evaluation of peripheral nerve plexus.
- This technology offers potential for personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies after nerve injuries and surgeries.
- Enables precise, long-term monitoring crucial for understanding nerve regeneration and optimizing therapeutic interventions.
