Optogenetic dissection of neural circuitry: From synaptic causalities to blue prints for novel treatments of behavioral diseases

Optogenetics has enabled the characterization of the neural circuits involved in brain diseases, such as addiction, depression or obsessive compulsive disorders. Recently, the technique has also been used to propose blueprints for novel treatments aiming at restoring circuit function through the reversal of specific forms of synaptic plasticity. Since optogenetic manipulations cannot be immediately translated to human use, we argue that an intermediate strategy could consist of emulating optogenetic protocols with deep brain stimulation (DBS). This translational path to rational, optogenetically inspired DBS protocols starts by refining existing approaches and carries the hope to expand to novel indications.