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 method for illuminating, from within the intrathecal space of the spine of a patient, a nerve root pair that has been genetically modified to comprise light sensitive protein, comprising:
 a. surgically delivering an implantable optical applicator in a compressed state through a small surgical access created between calcified structures of the spine to the intrathecal space; and   b. expanding the implantable optical applicator inside of the intrathecal space to an expanded state, wherein the implantable optical applicator comprises a first lighting segment and a second lighting segment, the first lighting segment configured to illuminate a first nerve root of a selected nerve root pair while the second lighting segment is configured to illuminate a second nerve root from the selected nerve root pair.