Optogenetic Control
Optogenetic Control - Related Videos
02:30
Optogenetic Control of Hippocampal Network Dynamics
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2025
This video demonstrates the method to use optogenetics to modulate hippocampal network dynamics by activating genetically modified light-sensitive interneurons in a mouse brain slice, enhancing theta oscillation synchronization and studying neural circuit behavior.
01:28
Optogenetic Control of Gene Expression in Corynebacterium glutamicum
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2025
Take a culture of Corynebacterium glutamicum, transformed with a plasmid carrying a fluorescent reporter gene downstream of the ribonucleic acid anti-terminator or RAT sequence, in a multi-well plate.During transcription, the RAT-RNA forms a stem-loop structure that blocks RNA polymerase, halting reporter gene expression.The plasmid also constitutively expresses LicV, a fusion protein comprising the RAT-RNA-binding protein, LicT, and the blue-light-sensitive VVD domain.In darkness, LicV remains...
06:06
Optogenetic Functional MRI
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Cited by 15 •
2016
This protocol describes the steps and data analysis required to successfully perform optogenetic functional magnetic resonance imaging (ofMRI). ofMRI is a novel technique that combines high-field fMRI readout with optogenetic stimulation, allowing for cell type-specific mapping of functional neural circuits and their dynamics across the whole living brain.
07:52
In Vivo Wireless Optogenetic Control of Skilled Motor Behavior
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2021
The present protocol describes how to use wireless optogenetics combined with high-speed videography in a single pellet reach-to-grasp task to characterize the neural circuits involved in the performance of skilled motor behavior in freely moving mice.
08:00
Spatiotemporal Control of Protein Activity through Optogenetic Allosteric Regulation
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Cited by 1 •
2024
This protocol describes the application of an engineered blue-light-activated allosteric switch (LightR) domain for reversible spatiotemporal control of protein activity. Utilizing Src tyrosine kinase as a model, this study offers an elaborate protocol for developing and characterizing light-regulated Src (LightR-Src). It demonstrates the versatility of this approach across enzyme classes.
FAQs
The selected opsin determines whether illumination primarily changes membrane ion movement or activates an intracellular signaling pathway. Researchers can therefore match the genetically introduced protein and chosen wavelength to the cellular response they want to study. This distinction supports experiments on rapid changes in cell activity as well as downstream signaling and gene-regulatory effects.
Rapid switching and localized illumination separate the timing and location of stimulation from the underlying genetic manipulation. A researcher can activate a selected cell population, stop stimulation, and compare the resulting behavior with unstimulated conditions. This on-off control helps distinguish immediate physiological effects from later changes in signaling, development, or gene expression.
Genetic engineering makes the light-responsive component part of the experimental biological system, allowing illumination to act through a defined cellular mechanism. When researchers vary stimulation and observe changes in cell behavior, signaling, development, or gene expression, they can investigate how the expressed component connects genetic information with physiological outcomes.
An experiment generally begins by genetically engineering cells or a living system to express a microbial or engineered opsin. Researchers then illuminate target cells at selected wavelengths while monitoring the resulting cellular activity or behavior. Comparing illumination periods with unstimulated observations helps connect the introduced genetic component to its physiological effect.
Applications extend beyond regulating neuronal firing. Researchers can use the approach to examine gene expression, development, and cell signaling, as well as to investigate disease mechanisms and broader physiological responses. Its ability to control selected cells with precise timing makes it useful when researchers need to relate a defined intervention to changes in living systems.
In genetics, optogenetic control provides a way to connect an introduced or engineered light-responsive component with outcomes in living cells and organisms. In neural research, controlled stimulation can help examine circuit function, while disease-focused studies can test how altered cellular activity relates to pathological mechanisms. These findings also inform investigations of potential therapeutic strategies.