Optogenetics is an emerging field, which uses light and molecular genetics to manipulate the activity of live cells by expressing light-sensitive proteins. With the discovery of bacteriorhodopsin, a light-sensitive bacterial protein, in 1971 Oesterhelt and Stoeckenius laid the pavement of optogenetics. However, the cross-integration of different disciplines is a little more than a decade old. The toolbox contains fluorescent sensors and optogenetic actuators that enable visualization of signaling events and manipulation of cellular activities, respectively. Neuropathic pain is pain caused either by damage or disease that affects the somatosensory system. The exact mechanism for neuropathic pain is not known, however proposed mechanisms include immune reactions, ion channel expressions, and inflammation. Current regimen for the disease provides about 50% relief for only 40-60% of patients. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate the potential therapeutic applications of optogenetics by manipulating the activity of neurons. This review summarizes the basic concept, therapeutic applications for neuropathy, and potential of optogenetics to reach from bench to bedside in the near future.
Optogenetics ni uwanja unaojitokeza, ambao hutumia mwanga na urithi wa molekuli kudhibiti shughuli za seli hai kwa kuelezea protini nyeti kwa mwanga. Baadaye, katika 1971, Oesterhelt na Stoeckenes walipata bakteria inayoitwa bacterioidopsin, ambayo ni protini inayohisi mwanga, na hivyo kuanzisha sayansi ya optogenetics. Hata hivyo, ushirikiano wa taaluma tofauti ni kidogo zaidi ya muongo mmoja. Sanduku la zana lina sensorer za fluorescent na optogenetic actuators ambazo huwezesha taswira ya matukio ya ishara na udhibiti wa shughuli za seli, kwa mtiririko huo. Maumivu ya neuropathic ni maumivu yanayotokana na uharibifu au ugonjwa ambao huathiri mfumo wa somatosensory. Utaratibu halisi wa maumivu ya neva haujulikani, hata hivyo utaratibu uliopendekezwa ni pamoja na athari za kinga, maonyesho ya njia ya ion, na uvimbe. Msaada wa sasa wa ugonjwa huo hutoa karibu 50% ya mapumziko kwa 40-60% tu ya wagonjwa. Uchunguzi wa hivi karibuni in vivo na in vitro unaonyesha matumizi ya uwezekano wa matibabu ya optogenetics kwa kudhibiti shughuli za neurons. Utafiti huu unafupisha dhana ya msingi, matumizi ya matibabu ya neuropathy, na uwezo wa optogenetics kufikia kutoka benchi hadi kitanda katika siku zijazo.