The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to US psychiatrist and neurologist Karl Deisseroth and his German colleagues Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for their work in the field of optogenetics. Their research has helped scientists learn more about the inner workings of the brain to better understand how the human mind works. The Nobel Committee praised the trio for laying the foundation of a new era in neuroscience.
The research by Deisseroth, Hegemann, and Nagel has provided scientists with a new understanding of the brain by revealing how to switch on and off neural circuits behind specific memories, feelings, and behaviors relevant for neurological and psychiatric disorders. This has helped researchers to study nerve cells and pathways in animals to see and discover more about what they do.
Optogenetics, the method developed by the trio, provides opportunities for mapping the brain in a way that scientists could once only dream of. Before, the inner workings behind feelings, behaviors, and bodily functions were more of a mystery to scientists. Optogenetics is a way to illuminate brain pathways, using a special protein borrowed from algae that scientists use to control cell electrical activity using light.
The discovery of channelrhodopsin, the algal protein with unique properties, was made by Hegemann and Nagel in the early 2000s. Deisseroth worked out how to use this light-controlled protein to switch on nerve cells in the brains of mice. This breakthrough has enabled researchers to switch individual neural circuits on or off in the brain, bringing memories to life, creating feelings, and driving behaviors.
The Nobel Committee said that using light, researchers are now able to study the types of neurons that are involved in various psychiatric and neurological disorders. This is providing important insights into how the nervous system interacts with various cells in other areas of the body, such as in the heart and gut.
Researchers have also taken the first steps towards using optogenetics as a medical treatment. In ongoing clinical trials, scientists have been working to restore vision in people who have become blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, a disease that destroys the eye's rods and cones. By inserting a special protein in the damaged region of the eye, the patient regained some vision when wearing special glasses emitting light.
The winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine will share the £900,000 prize money. Deisseroth, Hegemann, and Nagel said it was absolutely wonderful to get the award and that it was an honor to share the accolade with friends. The Nobel Assembly said that optogenetics has fundamentally altered our understanding of the brain and that every day brings new discoveries, helping to solve one of humanity's great mysteries: how our incredible brain works.
Key points
- The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel for their work in optogenetics.
- Optogenetics has helped scientists learn more about the inner workings of the brain.
- The research has provided insights into how the nervous system interacts with various cells in other areas of the body.
