LAUSR

Injuries to the central nervous system (CNS) often lead to severe neurological dysfunction and even death. However, there are still no effective measures to improve functional recovery following CNS injuries. Optogenetics, an ideal method to modulate neural activity, has shown various advantages in controlling neural circuits, promoting neural remapping, and improving cell survival. In particular, the emerging optogenetics has exhibited promising therapeutic methods for CNS injuries. In this review, we introduced the light-sensitive proteins and light stimulation system which are important components of optogenetic technology in detail and summarized the development trends. Meanwhile, we constructed a comprehensive picture of the current application of optogenetics in CNS injuries and highlighted recent advances for the treatment and functional recovery of neurological deficits. Finally, we discussed the therapeutic challenges and prospective uses of optogenetics therapy by photostimulation/photoinhibition modalities that would be suitable for clinical applications.