Halorhodopsin-Driven VL and LD Neuron Suppression for Autism Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapeutic methods for autism spectrum disorder lack targeted approaches at the neural circuit level, and existing drugs have variable efficacy and side effects, while deep brain stimulation faces challenges in defining targeted brain circuits.
Innovation Solution
Suppress the output signal of neurons in the ventrolateral thalamus, laterodorsal thalamus, or striatum by introducing halorhodopsin protein and irradiating light to induce hyperpolarization, using methods such as light stimulation or electrical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to treat severe repetitive behaviors and social deficits, then therapeutic effect is improved, but it is difficult to define targeted brain circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically targeting the ventrolateral thalamus (VL) and laterodorsal thalamus (LD) brain regions. Through optogenetic manipulation, the invention selectively modulates neuronal activity in these specific locations, achieving precise local control over neural circuits involved in autism spectrum disorder symptoms, thereby resolving the contradiction between therapeutic effectiveness and targeted circuit definition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If symptomatic therapy with commonly used drugs like Risperidone is applied, then treatment coverage is improved, but patient responsiveness varies and side effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacological intervention with optogenetic manipulation. Instead of using drugs like Risperidone that affect multiple neurotransmitter systems and cause side effects, the invention uses light-responsive proteins (channelrhodopsin, halorhodopsin, or archaerhodopsin) to precisely control neuronal activity in the VL and LD thalamus, substituting chemical mechanisms with optical control to eliminate drug-related harmful effects.
3Measurement precision
If optogenetics is used to regulate neuronal activity, then real-time monitoring and control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light-responsive proteins (channelrhodopsin, halorhodopsin, or archaerhodopsin) as intermediaries to translate optical signals into neuronal activity modulation. These intermediary proteins enable precise control of neural circuits in the ventrolateral thalamus and laterodorsal thalamus through light stimulation, achieving real-time monitoring and control while managing system complexity through biological mediation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively treats or prevents autism spectrum disorder by modulating neuronal activity in specific brain regions, reducing repetitive behaviors and social deficits.
Implementation Method 1
optogenetics is a biological technology that combines optics and genetics and is capable of controlling cells in living tissues by light. A typical case is that neurons are genetically engineered to express ion channels that respond to light.
Implementation Method 2
suppressing the output signal of neurons of the ventrolateral thalamus (VL), the laterodorsal thalamus (LD) or the striatum... by introducing halorhodopsin protein and irradiating light to induce hyperpolarization
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for treating autism spectrum disorder, a mouse for monitoring autism spectrum disorder, and a method for screening a candidate for preventing or treating autism spectrum disorder. Specifically, according to the present invention, the output signal (or excitation of population) of neurons of the ventrolateral thalamus (VL), the laterodorsal thalamus (LD) or the striatum may be suppressed by introducing a halorhodopsin protein into neurons of the ventrolateral thalamus (VL), the laterodorsal thalamus (LD) or the striatum and then irradiating light to induce hyperpolarization of the halorhodopsin protein. Thus, the present invention has the effect of preventing or treating autism.