Optogenetic Renal Nerve Modulation for Hypertension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating hypertension, such as renal sympathetic nerve ablation, can cause damage to the endothelial and smooth muscle layers of the renal artery and are permanent and irreversible, lacking the ability for adjustment or modulation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a transgene with a neuron-specific promoter and a light-sensitive protein, delivered via a viral vector to target neurons, and a light source to induce conformational changes in these proteins, allowing for reversible and adjustable modulation of nerve function, including afferent renal nerves, to treat hypertension and other conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If renal sympathetic nerve ablation is performed to treat hypertension, then blood pressure is reduced, but permanent damage is caused to the endothelial and smooth muscle layers of the renal artery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/thermal ablation systems with an optogenetic system. Light-sensitive proteins (opsins) are expressed in renal nerve cells, and light stimulation selectively modulates nerve activity without mechanical or thermal damage to surrounding tissues. This substitution eliminates damage to the endothelial and smooth muscle layers while maintaining blood pressure control efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light-sensitive proteins (opsins) as intermediaries between the external light source and the renal nerve cells. These proteins act as mediators that convert light energy into selective neural modulation, enabling precise control of nerve activity without direct contact or damage to the renal artery wall structures.
2Reliability
If renal sympathetic nerve ablation is performed to treat hypertension, then blood pressure is reduced, but the treatment is permanent and irreversible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, irreversible ablation treatment into a dynamic, reversible system. Light stimulation of optogenetically modified renal nerves can be turned on or off, adjusted in intensity, and modified in duration. This enables real-time adjustment of treatment parameters and reversible modulation of blood pressure control, allowing adaptation to changing patient needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic or intermittent light stimulation instead of continuous irreversible damage. The treatment can be applied in pulses, cycles, or variable patterns, allowing for on-demand modulation of renal nerve activity and blood pressure control without permanent structural changes.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional ablation methods are used to modulate nerve function, then treatment is achieved, but the method lacks the ability for adjustment or modulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple adjustable parameters in the treatment system, including light wavelength (different opsins respond to different wavelengths), light intensity, stimulation duration, and frequency. These parameters can be independently adjusted to optimize treatment efficacy and minimize side effects, providing versatile control over renal nerve modulation.
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 enables transient and customizable modulation of nerve function, reducing blood pressure without causing permanent damage, and can be adjusted based on patient conditions, providing a more effective and safer treatment option compared to traditional ablation methods.
Implementation Method 1
Light may be exposed to the cell bodies of the one or more target neurons and may cause a conformational change in the light-sensitive protein
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for modulating nerve function are disclosed. An example method for modulating nerve function may include providing a transgene including a neuron-specific promoter and a gene encoding a light-sensitive protein, delivering the transgene to a body tissue including one or more target neurons, implanting a light source adjacent to the cell bodies of the one or more target neurons, and emitting light from the light source. Light may be exposed to the cell bodies of the one or more target neurons and may cause a conformational change in the light-sensitive protein.