Application of Optogenetic Neuromodulation in Regulating Depression

Abstract

Depression is a multifaceted disorder with a largely unresolved etiology influenced by a complex interplay of pathogenic factors. Despite decades of research, it remains a major condition that significantly diminishes patients’ quality of life. Advances in optogenetics have introduced a powerful tool for exploring the neural mechanisms underlying depression. By selectively expressing optogenes in specific cell types in mice, researchers can study the roles of these cells through targeted light stimulation, offering new insights into central nervous system disorders. The use of viral vectors to express opsins in distinct neuronal subtypes enables precise activation or inhibition of these neurons via light. When combined with behavioral, morphological, and electrophysiological analyses, optogenetics provides an invaluable approach to investigating the neural mechanisms of psychiatric conditions. This review synthesizes current research on the application of optogenetics to understand the mechanisms of depression. This study aims to enhance our knowledge of optogenetic strategies for regulating depression and advancing antidepressant research.

Keywords

Depression / Major depressive disorder / Optogenetics / Neuromodulation / Depressive-like behaviors

© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Huazhong University of Science and Technology 2025

Author Contributions Jin ZHANG and Hong-chun XIANG wrote the manuscript. Xiang PENG participated in visualization. Man LI and Xiao-ming ZHANG designed the project. Hong-chun XIANG received funding. All the authors approved the final article.

Funding This research was funded by the Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82305049).

Availability of Data and Materials Not applicable.

Declarations

Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate Not applicable.

Research Involvinsg Human and Animal Participants Not applicable.

Consent for Publication The authors have granted permission for the article to be published.

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Funding

NATURAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION OF CHINA(82305049)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Huazhong University of Science and Technology