Development of Light-Rehabilitation after spinal cord injury using optogenetics thechniques

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26750178
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Rehabilitation science/Welfare engineering
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Takashima Kenta 東京大学, 大学院工学系研究科(工学部), 特任研究員 (80722751)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: オプトジェネティクス / 脊髄損傷 / 歩行機能再建

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Optogenetic techniques enable light-mediated control of specific neural activity or behavior. Recently, optogenetic techniques have been applied into therapeutic treatments through the identification of neural circuit targets. Until now, no therapeutic approach yet permits the restoration of locomotion after severe spinal cord injury (SCI) using optogenetic techniques. Here, we present that after complete paralysis of channelrhodopsin2-Venus transgenic (ChR2V+) rats, bipedal locomotion was restored by using a combination of optogenetic and pharmacological therapies. These techniques offer a potential method to improve the motor function of patients who have suffered severe spinal cord injuries.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション、神経科学