Controlling Abnormal Network Dynamics using Optogenetics (CANDO)
Using genetically altered cells to control abnormal brain activity in epilepsy.
Project leader
Dr A Jackson
Dates
May 2014 to April 2021
Sponsors
Partners
The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals, Imperial College London, University College London, Wellcome Trust
Description
Within the brain, nerve cells connect together to generate rhythmic activity visible as brain waves on an EEG. Many neurological diseases disrupt this network, producing abnormal patterns of activity.
In epilepsy, abnormal activity can be localised to a small focus, but this can spread across the whole brain as a seizure. Epilepsy affects 600,000 people in the UK alone. Uncontrolled seizures have a devastating effect on patients' quality of life. Most cases respond to drugs, but if these are ineffective it may be necessary to surgically remove the focus. But surgery is not suitable in all patients and can damage cognitive function.
We have based an alternative on a small implant. The implant continuously records the abnormal activity and provides precisely timed stimulation to prevent it ever developing into a seizure. Some cells within the focus are genetically altered using a safe virus to become sensitive to light. The implant will monitor their activity and provide pulses of light from tiny LEDs to prevent the build-up of abnormal activity.
We will test the device using animals and human brain tissue obtained from surgery. We will then use the implant with a small number of patients to demonstrate its effectiveness.