Neuron-to-Neuron Interface: Optically Connected Neurons Between the Brains of Two Zebrafish

University Of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

Telepathy, as portrayed in science fiction, refers to the imagined ability to communicate mentally with another person or animal, without relying on our physical senses like seeing, hearing, touching, or smelling. The idea of telepathy in science fiction can be brought to life through a brain-to-brain interface. This interface allows the direct transfer of brain signals from one person's or animal's brain to another's using implanted electrodes. Brain-to-brain communication has the potential to be a groundbreaking form of communication that not only avoids unintended interference or miscommunication but also helps us gain a deeper understanding of how the brain sends signals and improves brain functions. However, brain-to-brain interfaces that utilize implanted electrodes encounter challenges in accurately transmitting neural information. This is because the electrodes collect and transmit signals from multiple neurons together, rather than capturing and delivering signals from individual neurons separately. This project seeks to develop a new and innovative approach to brain communication. It involves connecting individual neurons between the brains of two zebrafish larvae using special genetic biomolecules. This innovative approach will be referred to as a neuron-to-neuron interface. A successfully developed neuron-to-neuron interface has the potential to advance our understanding of the brain's functionality and explore possibilities for improving its performance. This research could lead to exciting new discoveries about the brain and how we communicate with each other. This research will be integrated into interactive education opportunities through summer workshops and seminars for underrepresented minority students and families in secondary schools. It will also include educational projects designed to engage undergraduate students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The proposed research aims to develop a novel neuron-to-neuron interface that connects individual neurons between the brains of two zebrafish larvae and apply the interface to improve brain functions. To build the neuron-to-neuron connection, genetically encoded neural activity indicators and optogenetic actuators will be implemented to monitor and control individual neuron activity in zebrafish larvae. The proposed interface will allow individual neural signals to be transmitted from a sender to a receiver and, as a result, will produce synchronized behavioral outputs in both the sender and receiver fish. The proposed system will be applied to examine restoration and augmentation of brain functions. Specific project tasks will include: (1) create a sender and a receiver fish by expressing genetically encoded neural activity indicator and optogenetic actuators at target neurons, (2) build an integrated platform that transmits neural signals from a sender to a receiver fish, and (3) apply the neuron-to-neuron interface to rehabilitate and augment neural functions in a receiver fish. The research approach will combine biological and technical elements including a sender fish where individual M-neuron signals are collected from, a receiver fish where corresponding M-neuron signals are delivered to, and a real-time signal transmission between the sender and receiver fish. This innovative platform will provide researchers with a unique tool to study neural signaling and communication mechanisms, which can be applied to assess medical interventions and therapeutics to alleviate brain disorders. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.