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 injecting a targeted tissue structure, comprising:
 an elongate flexible injection member biased to assume an arcuate geometric configuration when unloaded, the injection member comprising an array of injection needles and being configured to assume a substantially straight geometric configuration based upon an input from an operator manipulating a remote actuator that is operatively coupled to the elongate flexible injection member.