#neurotech #neuroscience Created at 220723 # [Anonymous feedback](https://www.admonymous.co/louis030195) # [[Epistemic status]] #shower-thought Last modified date: 220723 Commit: 0 # Related # How to insert genes into neurons Here is a simple explanation of how viruses can be used to modify genes in neurons: - Viruses are tiny particles that can infect cells and insert their own genetic material into the cell's DNA. - To use viruses for gene editing, scientists first remove the harmful genes from the virus that cause disease. This leaves behind a "shell" of a virus that can still infect cells but won't harm them. - Next, scientists replace the harmful viral genes with the gene they want to insert, like the opsin gene. - The edited virus is then exposed to the target cell, like a neuron. The virus infects the cell and inserts the new gene into the cell's DNA. - Now the neuron has the new gene and can make the protein encoded by that gene. In the case of optogenetics, the opsin protein made by the neuron can respond to light. - When a light beam shines on the modified neuron, the opsin protein is activated. This causes the neuron to fire an electrical signal. So in summary, viruses act as a delivery mechanism to carry new genes into cells. By using modified harmless viruses, scientists can precisely edit the DNA of target cells like neurons, allowing control of their activity with light. The virus does the work of inserting the new gene. Here's an analogy to help explain how viruses can be used to insert genes into neurons: Think of a virus as a tiny delivery truck. Scientists first remove any harmful packages it was carrying, like disease-causing genes. This leaves an empty truck that can still get into cells. Next, they fill the viral truck with a special package - the gene they want to deliver. In this case, the opsin gene. The neuron is like a house with a door. The viral truck can go up to the neuron, get let inside, and unload its opsin gene package directly into the neuron's DNA. Now the neuron has the new gene and can build the light-sensitive opsin protein using its genetic instructions, just like a house can use supplied parts to build new furniture. When scientists later shine a light, it's like flipping a switch on the new opsin proteins in the neuron. This makes the neuron fire its electrical signals. So the virus is the delivery truck that carries the new gene package into the target cell. It does all the work to integrate the gene into the neuron's own DNA instructions.