Feng Zhang

The ideal way to study the property of different types of neurons is to control individual types of cells independently and see what happens when you alter one type of cell. Optogenetics helps to realize this goal. ”

Studies by many labs have already started to identify specific circuits of neurons involved in normal cognitive function like memory and learning, as well as disease processes such as Parkinson's disease, depression, and autism. ”

There are still many challenges and questions that need to be addressed before optogenetics can be applied in humans for therapeutic uses. ”