Optogenetic Laryngeal Pacemaking (B11)

• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology ; Otolaryngology, Phoniatrics and Audiology ; Medical Physics, Biomedical Technology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 528760423

Paralysis of the recurrent nerve innervating the larynx leads to fixed vocal cords and impedes voice in unilateral cases and air passage through the larynx if both sides are affected. Patients can currently only be treated with destructive surgical interventions since electrical stimulation co-stimulates antagonistic muscles and sensory nerves. Optogenetic stimulation can be performed in a muscle-cell-specific manner with high spatial resolution. We will improve AAV-mediated Channelrhodopsin (ChR) gene transfer, test ChR variants and characterize the immune response, both in vitro in myotubes and in vivo in mice. We will explore the feasibility of optogenetic laryngeal pacemaking in pigs and develop and characterize implantable optical stimulators.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1690: Disease Mechanisms and Functional Restoration of Sensory and Motor Systems
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Dirk Beutner; Professor Dr. Tobias Brügmann