Applications of Optogenetics as Alternative Treatment for Neurological Diseases
Josue Ordaz

Abstract
Neurological diseases are some of the most devastating illnesses due to the limited understanding of the complex nervous system network and its intricate functions. Moreover, lack of basic understanding in pathophysiology of disease hinders the development of new treatment. Optogenetics is a biological technique involving light modulated cells in living tissue. Successful application of this technique to control function of genetically modified neurons galvanizes efforts to utilize optogenetics in neurological disorders, either as treatment option or investigating tool of disease pathophysiology. This review seeks to summarize optogenetic history and highlight its application in neurological diseases, specifically: Stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Epilepsy. Current treatments in these diseases are summarized with discussion on how optogenetics may overcome some of the pitfalls in current treatment options. In conclusion, optogenetics is an exciting and promising tool in neurological diseases that may provide therapeutic benefit and elucidate disease mechanism.

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