Probing Neural Transplant Networks In Vivo with Optogenetics and Optogenetic fMRI
Understanding how stem cell-derived neurons functionally integrate into the brain upon transplantation has been a long sought-after goal of regenerative medicine. However, methodological limitations have stood as a barrier, preventing key insight into this fundamental problem. A recently developed t...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2016-01-01
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| Series: | Stem Cells International |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/8612751 |
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| _version_ | 1832564331787583488 |
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| author | Andrew J. Weitz Jin Hyung Lee |
| author_facet | Andrew J. Weitz Jin Hyung Lee |
| author_sort | Andrew J. Weitz |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Understanding how stem cell-derived neurons functionally integrate into the brain upon transplantation has been a long sought-after goal of regenerative medicine. However, methodological limitations have stood as a barrier, preventing key insight into this fundamental problem. A recently developed technology, termed optogenetic functional magnetic resonance imaging (ofMRI), offers a possible solution. By combining targeted activation of transplanted neurons with large-scale, noninvasive measurements of brain activity, ofMRI can directly visualize the effect of engrafted neurons firing on downstream regions. Importantly, this tool can be used to identify not only whether transplanted neurons have functionally integrated into the brain, but also which regions they influence and how. Furthermore, the precise control afforded over activation enables the input-output properties of engrafted neurons to be systematically studied. This review summarizes the efforts in stem cell biology and neuroimaging that made this development possible and outlines its potential applications for improving and optimizing stem cell-based therapies in the future. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-64e6d478b025463f8f7849ac33836eeb |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1687-966X 1687-9678 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2016-01-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Stem Cells International |
| spelling | doaj-art-64e6d478b025463f8f7849ac33836eeb2025-02-03T01:11:18ZengWileyStem Cells International1687-966X1687-96782016-01-01201610.1155/2016/86127518612751Probing Neural Transplant Networks In Vivo with Optogenetics and Optogenetic fMRIAndrew J. Weitz0Jin Hyung Lee1Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USADepartment of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USAUnderstanding how stem cell-derived neurons functionally integrate into the brain upon transplantation has been a long sought-after goal of regenerative medicine. However, methodological limitations have stood as a barrier, preventing key insight into this fundamental problem. A recently developed technology, termed optogenetic functional magnetic resonance imaging (ofMRI), offers a possible solution. By combining targeted activation of transplanted neurons with large-scale, noninvasive measurements of brain activity, ofMRI can directly visualize the effect of engrafted neurons firing on downstream regions. Importantly, this tool can be used to identify not only whether transplanted neurons have functionally integrated into the brain, but also which regions they influence and how. Furthermore, the precise control afforded over activation enables the input-output properties of engrafted neurons to be systematically studied. This review summarizes the efforts in stem cell biology and neuroimaging that made this development possible and outlines its potential applications for improving and optimizing stem cell-based therapies in the future.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/8612751 |
| spellingShingle | Andrew J. Weitz Jin Hyung Lee Probing Neural Transplant Networks In Vivo with Optogenetics and Optogenetic fMRI Stem Cells International |
| title | Probing Neural Transplant Networks In Vivo with Optogenetics and Optogenetic fMRI |
| title_full | Probing Neural Transplant Networks In Vivo with Optogenetics and Optogenetic fMRI |
| title_fullStr | Probing Neural Transplant Networks In Vivo with Optogenetics and Optogenetic fMRI |
| title_full_unstemmed | Probing Neural Transplant Networks In Vivo with Optogenetics and Optogenetic fMRI |
| title_short | Probing Neural Transplant Networks In Vivo with Optogenetics and Optogenetic fMRI |
| title_sort | probing neural transplant networks in vivo with optogenetics and optogenetic fmri |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/8612751 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT andrewjweitz probingneuraltransplantnetworksinvivowithoptogeneticsandoptogeneticfmri AT jinhyunglee probingneuraltransplantnetworksinvivowithoptogeneticsandoptogeneticfmri |