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100 billion – that’s how many neurons each human brain has. Understanding them and their circuits is the key to understanding the brain itself. Research work at the Johannes Kepler University will now make an important contribution to this.
In order to research neurons and thus develop therapies for neuronal disorders, it has so far been necessary to be able to switch the nerve cells on and off in a targeted manner. Neurons can be regulated using light pulses. However, the treatment is usually not without side effects. Optogenetics, in which genetically modified material is introduced into neurons, is also reaching its limits.
Together with his institute colleagues Simon Straßgschwandtner and Rohit Yadav, JKU biophysicist Jürgen Pfeffermann has developed a completely new method with financial support from the FWF. The three researchers succeeded in controlling excitable cells using lipids, i.e. fats. These so-called photolipids can create stimuli using light. “We can trigger the nerve cells with the fats. And without genetically modified material,” says Straßgschwandtner.
The nerve cells can also be de-excited. Since the fats are incorporated directly into the cell’s membrane, the neurons can be selected and controlled. “This could be a breakthrough, especially in diagnostics,” says Rohit Yadav. However, there is still a long way to go before clinical application and requires a lot of research.
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Source: Nachrichten
