Improving brain control techniques for primates using light-sensitive proteins
Optimizing Optogenetics for Cell-type-specific Control in Freely-moving Primates
This study is working on improving a technique that uses light to control brain cells in monkeys, helping researchers better understand how the brain works while the monkeys move freely and behave naturally.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11075198 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing optogenetics, a method that uses light to control specific brain cells, in freely-moving primates like macaque monkeys. The team aims to tackle challenges such as the size of the primate brain and its immune response by developing new technologies for gene delivery and flexible light-emitting devices. By enabling precise control over brain activity without physical restraints, this research could significantly advance our understanding of neural circuits and their functions in more human-like models. The goal is to create a system that allows for natural behavior observation while manipulating brain activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for potential benefit from this research include individuals with neurological conditions that affect brain function, such as autism or other brain disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have neurological conditions or those who are not involved in primate studies may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating brain disorders in humans.
How similar studies have performed: While optogenetics has been successful in small animal models, this approach in larger primates is relatively novel and has not yet been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Platt, Michael L — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Platt, Michael L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.