DEVELOPMENT OF A MODIFIED RECEPTOR THAT ALLOWS PHARMACEUTICAL TARGETING OF SPECIFIC NEURONAL
POPULATIONS
Chemogenetic receptors are exclusively activated by their pharmaceutical ligand (actuator).
CNS-delivered chemogenetic receptors have no physiological effects without their actuator,
offering a flexible and adaptive control of the timing and intensity of the effect. Providing a
safe, adjustable alternative, the aim of this project is to replace some of the current
neurosurgery techniques, such as deep brain stimulation and local lesion. Moreover, molecular
targeting solutions (e.g. promoters) allow distinction between neuronal populations not only
based on their localization, but also based on their neurochemical attributes. On the long run,
non-surgical delivery may provide additional benefits to this platform.