Advanced holographic optical neural stimulation for vision restoration and basic research

Project Information

HoloVision

Grant agreement ID: 648927

DOI

10.3030/648927

Project terminated on 29 September 2017

EC signature date 9 December 2015

Start date 1 January 2016

End date 31 December 2020

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 2 624 517,00

EU contribution

€ 2 624 517,00

Coordinated by

TECHNION - ISRAEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Israel

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - HoloVision (Advanced holographic optical neural stimulation for vision restoration and basic research)

Reporting period: 2017-07-01 to 2018-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Our main aim is to bypass compromised neural circuits and substitute sensory perception using artificial stimulation. Specifically, we aim to develop a minimally-invasive vision restoration system that would use light patterns to photo-induce complex yet precise spatio-temporal activity patterns among surviving retinal neurons, with the ultimate potential of restoring vision to a nearly normal level. Restoring eyesight could improve quality of life for the millions suffering from blindness due to degenerative diseases such as age related macular degeneration.
In this project we intend to optimize and test in vivo a powerful new strategy for cellular-resolution controlled patterned optogenetic excitation, based on computer-generated holographic optical neural-stimulation (HONS). This will be done by achieving three aims: testing and optimizing the effectiveness of direct holographic optogenetic stimulation of a large population of RGCs in vivo by directly imaging responses using optogenetics or fMRI responses, developing and optimizing a novel approach for multi-photon holographic optogenetic photo-stimulation of a distributed population of cortical neurons and studying critical steps towards the translation of holographic retinal vision restoration to human subjects.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In the 18 month of this project we managed to set up a unique, state-of-the-art experimental system combining two photon brain microscopy and retinal stimulation in which the research experiments will take place. We have generated and tested two transgenic mouse lines and virally injected animals combining Optogenetics and degenerative blindness demonstrating simultaneous stimulation and imaging in an optogenetically transduced retina. We accomplished the first ever demonstration of in vivo mouse retinal two-photon imaging microscopy, demonstrating actual functional responses. Finally, we developed systems and protocols for optogenetic and sensory stimulation of animals inside a rodent high-field MRI, and a new brain imaging modality – large scale direct brain imaging using Functional Optoacoustic Neuro-Tomography (FONT).
We have developed experimental systems using two different solutions for spatiotemporally-focused light patterns. In addition, in collaboration with colleagues at NYU, we have exceeded the proposed project and started to manipulate the behavior of animals using multi-photon holographic optogentic photo-stimulation.
We have designed and constructed a prototype holographic projector for human psychophysical experimentation which includes a customized eye-tracker.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

1. Building a new novel camera capable of simultaneous 3D photography.
2. Developing a unique model enabling the understanding of the biophysics of neural excitation during stimulation.
3. Developing an algorithm for generating smooth holograms.