Optogenetic vision restoration approaches

Optogenetics comprises the use of genetically encoded light-activated proteins to manipulate cells in a minimally invasive way using light. The most prominent example is channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2), which allows the activation of electrically excitable cells via light-dependent depolarization. The combination of ChR2 with hyperpolarizing-light-driven ion pumps such as the Cl- pump halorhodopsin (NpHR) enables multimodal remote control of neuronal cells in culture, tissue, and living animals. Very rapidly, it became obvious that optogenetics offers a chance of gene therapy for many diseases affecting vision. Here, I will give a brief introduction about retinal function and diseases. Cell type-specific optogenetic approaches to ON bipolar cells by ChR2 and to cone photoreceptors by Halorhodopsins will be highlighted.