Development of non-invasive nerve control technology to treat brain diseases is expected to utilize treatment such as Parkinson's disease
Dec 05, 2024
A research team led by Professor Cho Il-joo of the convergence medicine class at Korea University School of Medicine (Director Cho Jung-beom) and Professor Shin Hyo-geun of the Department of Electronic Engineering at Kyungpook National University have developed a new optogenetics-based system that precisely stimulates the brain to control brain function and attach it to the head easily. The study has opened a new horizon in neuromodulation technology for the treatment of brain diseases and the improvement of brain function, and the results of the study were recently published in the global journal 『Nature Communications』.
Existing non-invasive brain electrical stimulation technology has a wide range of stimuli and difficulty in precise control, showing limitations in treatment effectiveness.
To solve this problem, the research team developed a new system that activates or suppresses nerve cells in brain regions within millimeters using photosensitive proteins and upconversion particles. We have implemented a two-way regulation scheme that enables nerve activation (ReaChR) with red light and suppresses nerve activity (stGtACR2) with near-infrared (NIR). In addition, ultra-small wireless optoelectronic devices have been developed to enable precise nerve control of multiple brain areas with mobile phones even when experimental animals move freely.
The research team confirmed the effectiveness of this technology through various animal experiments. The techniques developed in the experiment were able to precisely control animal movements and induce or inhibit specific behaviors.
For example, animal movements were controlled by mobile phones by selectively stimulating the motor region (M2) and the upper sphere region (SC) of the brain. In addition, it could stimulate the middle frontal cortex (mPFC) of the brain to increase the willingness to compete or to avoid competition, thereby artificially winning or losing the competition. In this process, two different photosensitive proteins were used to determine that 'two-way optogenetic regulation' is possible to activate or suppress nerves in one brain region.
The technology has also made significant progress in the possibility of treating neurodegenerative diseases. The research team applied the technology to restore motor ability in the Parkinson's disease animal model. Photoresensitive protein and upconversion particles were injected into the kinetic region (M2) and intermediate gland (dmST), respectively, and then the nerves in the region were activated using red light and near-infrared light. As a result, it was revealed that exercise degradation, a symptom of Parkinson's disease, was improved using a brain stimulator attached to the head. Previously, deep brain stimulation was mainly used to treat Parkinson's disease and tremors by implanting electrodes in the brain, but this study proved the possibility of replacing it with a safe system in the form of attaching to the head.
Professor Cho Il-joo of Korea University Medical School, the head of the study, said, `This study is significant in that it suggests the possibility of improving brain function and treating brain diseases by precisely stimulating the brain non-invasive and safe.' `We expect this technology to be used in various brain function research and treatment in the future.'
Meanwhile, this study was carried out with the support of the Biomedical Technology Development Project and the Brain Function Identification and Control Technology Development Project promoted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Research Foundation.
Existing non-invasive brain electrical stimulation technology has a wide range of stimuli and difficulty in precise control, showing limitations in treatment effectiveness.
To solve this problem, the research team developed a new system that activates or suppresses nerve cells in brain regions within millimeters using photosensitive proteins and upconversion particles. We have implemented a two-way regulation scheme that enables nerve activation (ReaChR) with red light and suppresses nerve activity (stGtACR2) with near-infrared (NIR). In addition, ultra-small wireless optoelectronic devices have been developed to enable precise nerve control of multiple brain areas with mobile phones even when experimental animals move freely.
The research team confirmed the effectiveness of this technology through various animal experiments. The techniques developed in the experiment were able to precisely control animal movements and induce or inhibit specific behaviors.
For example, animal movements were controlled by mobile phones by selectively stimulating the motor region (M2) and the upper sphere region (SC) of the brain. In addition, it could stimulate the middle frontal cortex (mPFC) of the brain to increase the willingness to compete or to avoid competition, thereby artificially winning or losing the competition. In this process, two different photosensitive proteins were used to determine that 'two-way optogenetic regulation' is possible to activate or suppress nerves in one brain region.
The technology has also made significant progress in the possibility of treating neurodegenerative diseases. The research team applied the technology to restore motor ability in the Parkinson's disease animal model. Photoresensitive protein and upconversion particles were injected into the kinetic region (M2) and intermediate gland (dmST), respectively, and then the nerves in the region were activated using red light and near-infrared light. As a result, it was revealed that exercise degradation, a symptom of Parkinson's disease, was improved using a brain stimulator attached to the head. Previously, deep brain stimulation was mainly used to treat Parkinson's disease and tremors by implanting electrodes in the brain, but this study proved the possibility of replacing it with a safe system in the form of attaching to the head.
Professor Cho Il-joo of Korea University Medical School, the head of the study, said, `This study is significant in that it suggests the possibility of improving brain function and treating brain diseases by precisely stimulating the brain non-invasive and safe.' `We expect this technology to be used in various brain function research and treatment in the future.'
Meanwhile, this study was carried out with the support of the Biomedical Technology Development Project and the Brain Function Identification and Control Technology Development Project promoted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Research Foundation.
|
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
