Development of agents for controlling mood

描述（由申请人提供）：LucCell，Inc.是一家医疗和研究开发公司，其目标是为研究界开发创新技术以及精神疾病的潜在治疗方法。LucCell的创新技术将病毒递送方法与光激活蛋白质和细胞类型特异性基因组信息相结合，以控制脑回路和细胞信号传导。LucCell的独特优势将是能够使用复杂的生理，分子和成像技术来验证这些工具。我们将创建包含细胞类型特异性启动子/增强子与光激活蛋白组合的病毒，用于选择的光激活蛋白的细胞类型特异性表达。我们最初的努力将旨在控制大脑中的突触前神经元能回路。这使我们能够通过暴露在光线下精确、快速和可控地打开或关闭5-羟色胺神经元。这种方法最近被称为“年度方法”（Nature Methods 5，23（2008））中的“观察方法”。使用这种方法，我们将能够产生研究工具，使研究人员能够提高他们对细胞功能的理解，特别是在神经元回路中。独特的LucCell产品无法从任何其他来源获得。公共卫生相关性：LucCell产品将使研究人员能够提高他们对细胞功能的理解，特别是在神经元回路中，其次将使临床医生能够控制人类的血清素水平。控制大脑中5-羟色胺水平的药物目前是焦虑症、精神分裂症和抑郁症的主要药物。这些药物通常无效或带来相当大的副作用负担。因此，LucCell的技术有望为治疗这些疾病提供一种全新的方法。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): LucCell, Inc. is a medical and research development company whose goal is to develop innovative technology for the research community as well as potential treatments for psychiatric diseases. LucCell's innovative technology combines viral delivery methods with light activated proteins and cell-type specific genomic information to control brain circuitry and cellular signaling. LucCell's unique advantage will be the ability to validate these tools using sophisticated physiological, molecular, and imaging techniques. We will create viruses that contain cell-type specific promoters/enhancers in combination with light activated proteins for cell-type specific expression of the light activated protein of choice. Our initial effort will be aimed at controlling presynaptic serotonergic circuitry in the brain. This allows us to switch on or off serotonin neurons precisely, quickly and controllably by exposure to light. This approach was recently named a "Method to Watch" in a feature called "Method of the Year" (Nature Methods 5, 23 (2008)). Using this approach we will be able to produce research tools that will enable researchers to enhance their understanding of cellular function, particularly in neuronal circuits. The unique LucCell products are not available from any other source. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The LucCell products will enable researchers to enhance their understanding of cellular function, particularly in neuronal circuits, and second will enable clinicians to control serotonin levels in humans. Drugs controlling serotonin levels in the brain are currently the main medications in anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and depression. These drugs are frequently ineffective or carry a considerable side-effect burden. Thus, LucCell's technology promises a wholly novel approach to treatment of these diseases.