Three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine on Monday for discoveries that allow researchers to control the activity of brain cells with light.
It all starts with pond scum or green algae.
Karl Deisseroth, 54, of Stanford University, and researchers Peter Hegemann, 71, of Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, and Georg Nagel, 73, of the University of Würzburg, will share about $1.2 million for the discovery of optogenetics, a mind-bending technology that allows scientists to use light to activate or silence selected nerve cells.
The technology helps researchers determine how specific brain circuits influence behavior and disease, opening possible avenues for new treatments.
For Deisseroth, who calls the brain “the most complex object in the universe,” the award came as a surprise.
He stayed up late writing papers and emailing students. As soon as he lay down and was about to fall asleep, the phone next to the bed rang.
“I lost the ability to form words for about 30 seconds,” he said, according to Stanford University.
The discovery stems from Hegemann’s research into how single-celled green algae respond to light. Working with Nagel, he discovered a protein that acted like a light-activated gate, allowing charged particles to pass through cell membranes.
Brain cells don’t normally respond to light. So Deisseroth borrowed what he calls “techniques from nature.”
In 2005, Deisseroth’s Stanford lab used algae proteins to make rat brain cells respond to blue light. Neurons fire on command.
The technology allows scientists to control specific brain circuits in living animals and observe what happens. It is used in laboratories around the world to study fear, memory, hunger, addiction, sleep and depression.
Researchers are also exploring medical applications.
In an early clinical trial, a man who was blind from a genetic eye disease regained some vision after optogenetic therapy. Deisseros said other researchers are looking at possible treatments for autism and schizophrenia based on findings from optogenetics.
“Optogenetics is the engine of discovery,” Deisseroth said.
Identifying cells associated with symptoms could help researchers find treatments, he said.
“Once you know which cells are causal cells that are actually important for symptoms or correcting symptoms, you can design drugs or other approaches that target those cells.”
Asked how he planned to celebrate, Deisseroth had another plan: “Get back to work.”