Research shows that epileptic seizures are essentially due to abnormal functions of neural circuits. Optogenetics regulates neural circuits by specifically expressing light-sensitive proteins in target neurons, which has now become an important tool in the research of temporal lobe epilepsy. Studies have shown that optogenetics focuses on brain regions such as the hippocampus, medial septal nucleus, cerebellum, and basal ganglia in studying temporal lobe epilepsy. This article reviews the research progress of optogenetics in exploring the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of temporal lobe epilepsy, aiming to provide new ideas for temporal lobe epilepsy treatment.

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by abnormal synchronous neuronal discharges in the brain, often accompanied by various complications. The pathogenesis of epilepsy has not yet been fully elucidated. Optogenetics, a cutting-edge technique that integrates optics and genetics, enables precise modulation of specific neurons by regulating light-sensitive proteins. Utilizing optogenetic technology has facilitated the dissection of neural circuits involved in epileptic seizures within brain regions such as the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus. It has also helped identify potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy-related complications, including cognitive impairment, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and mood disorders.However, in the process of advancing from basic research to clinical treatment, its translational path is profoundly influenced by factors such as stimulation modes (the choice between open-loop and closed-loop systems), key parameters (light frequency), and intervention strategies (unilateral or bilateral target selection). The individualized customization of these factors represents the future direction for overcoming current translational bottlenecks and achieving precise treatment.

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by abnormal synchronous neuronal discharges in the brain, often accompanied by various complications. The pathogenesis of epilepsy has not yet been fully elucidated. Optogenetics, a cutting-edge technique that integrates optics and genetics, enables precise modulation of specific neurons by regulating light-sensitive proteins. Utilizing optogenetic technology has facilitated the dissection of neural circuits involved in epileptic seizures within brain regions such as the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus. It has also helped identify potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy-related complications, including cognitive impairment, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and mood disorders.However, in the process of advancing from basic research to clinical treatment, its translational path is profoundly influenced by factors such as stimulation modes (the choice between open-loop and closed-loop systems), key parameters (light frequency), and intervention strategies (unilateral or bilateral target selection). The individualized customization of these factors represents the future direction for overcoming current translational bottlenecks and achieving precise treatment.

Research shows that epileptic seizures are essentially due to abnormal functions of neural circuits. Optogenetics regulates neural circuits by specifically expressing light-sensitive proteins in target neurons, which has now become an important tool in the research of temporal lobe epilepsy. Studies have shown that optogenetics focuses on brain regions such as the hippocampus, medial septal nucleus, cerebellum, and basal ganglia in studying temporal lobe epilepsy. This article reviews the research progress of optogenetics in exploring the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of temporal lobe epilepsy, aiming to provide new ideas for temporal lobe epilepsy treatment.