Advances in chemogenetics: a review of DREADDs and its application in psychiatric disorders

Chemogenetics is a rapidly advancing field that uses genetically engineered receptors to selectively modulate the activity of specific neuronal populations in the brain. This innovative approach allows for precise control of neural circuits, providing valuable insights into the roles of specific circuits in behavior and disease mechanisms. The potential of chemogenetics to transform our understanding of brain function could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review explores the fundamental mechanisms of chemogenetics, with a focus on Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) and their associated ligands. We provide a comprehensive overview of the various classes of DREADDs, detailing optimal ligand dosing and offering guidance for their integration into both research and clinical settings. Additionally, we examine the recent applications of DREADDs in psychiatry, particularly about brain regions and circuits involved in anxiety.