System and method for optogenetic therapy

Abstract

Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

1 . A system for preventing hypertension in a patient, comprising:
 a. an implantable optical applicator configured to be permanently coupled to at least one tissue structure such that it can deliver photons to at least one branch of the renal nerve plexus that has been genetically modified to have light sensitive protein;   b. an implantable light source and an implantable power supply, the implantable light source being operatively intercoupled between the implantable power supply and the implantable light applicator such that photons generated when the implantable light source is drawing current from the implantable power supply may be delivered to the implantable optical applicator;   c. an implantable sensor configured to be deployed within the body of the patient and to provide an output signal that is correlated with the blood pressure of the patient; and   d. an implantable controller operatively coupled to the implantable sensor and implantable light source, the implantable controller configured to cause the implantable light source to direct enough illumination to the light sensitive protein through the implantable light source and implantable light applicator to at least partially inhibit action potential transmission within the at least one branch of the renal nerve plexus based at least in part upon the output signal received from the implantable sensor.