Assessment of optogenetically-driven strategies for prosthetic restoration of cortical vision in large-scale neural simulation of V1

The neural encoding of visual features in primary visual cortex (V1) is well understood, with strong correlates to low-level perception, making V1 a strong candidate for vision restoration through neuroprosthetics. However, the functional relevance of neural dynamics evoked through external stimulation directly imposed at the cortical level is poorly understood. Furthermore, protocols for designing cortical stimulation patterns that would induce a naturalistic perception of the encoded stimuli have not yet been established. Here, we demonstrate a proof of concept by solving these issues through a computational model, combining (1) a large-scale spiking neural network model of cat V1 and (2) a virtual prosthetic system transcoding the visual input into tailored light-stimulation patterns which drive in situ the optogenetically modified cortical tissue. Using such virtual experiments, we design a protocol for translating simple Fourier contrasted stimuli (gratings) into activation patterns of the optogenetic matrix stimulator. We then quantify the relationship between spatial configuration of the imposed light pattern and the induced cortical activity. Our simulations in the absence of visual drive (simulated blindness) show that optogenetic stimulation with a spatial resolution as low as 100 mu m, and light intensity as weak as 1016 photons/s/cm2 is sufficient to evoke activity patterns in V1 close to those evoked by normal vision.

Automated summary

The neural encoding of visual features in the primary visual cortex is well understood, making it a strong candidate for vision restoration through neuroprosthetics. A computational model combining a neural network model of cat V1 and a virtual prosthetic system was used to demonstrate how visual input can be transduced into tailored light-stimulation patterns to drive cortical tissue. The study showed that optogenetic stimulation can induce activity patterns in V1 similar to those evoked by normal vision, even with low spatial resolution and weak light intensity.