Advanced holographic optical neural stimulation for vision restoration and basic research

Informacje na temat projektu

HoloVision

Identyfikator umowy o grant: 648927

DOI

10.3030/648927

Realizacja projektu zakończyła się 29 Września 2017

Data podpisania przez KE 9 Grudnia 2015

Data rozpoczęcia 1 Stycznia 2016

Data zakończenia 31 Grudnia 2020

Finansowanie w ramach

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Koszt całkowity

€ 2 624 517,00

Wkład UE

€ 2 624 517,00

Koordynowany przez

TECHNION - ISRAEL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Israel

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

Okres sprawozdawczy: 2017-07-01 do 2018-12-31

Podsumowanie kontekstu i ogólnych celów projektu

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.

Prace wykonane od początku projektu do końca okresu sprawozdawczego oraz najważniejsze dotychczasowe rezultaty

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.

Innowacyjność oraz oczekiwany potencjalny wpływ (w tym dotychczasowe znaczenie społeczno-gospodarcze i szersze implikacje społeczne projektu)

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.