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 injecting a targeted tissue structure, comprising:
 a. selecting the targeted tissue structure to be injected;   b. providing 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;   c. causing the elongate flexible injection member to assume the substantially straight configuration based upon an input from the operator;   d. navigating the elongate flexible injection member into a position relative to the targeted tissue structure such that upon release of the input, the flexible injection member will be biased to return to the arcuate geometric configuration, and in reconfiguring toward the arcuate configuration, portions of the elongate flexible member will advance a plurality of the injection needles into the targeted tissue structure;   e. releasing the input to advance the plurality of the injection needles into the targeted tissue structure; and   f. injecting the targeted tissue structure using the plurality of needles advanced into the targeted tissue structure.