Engineered photoreceptors as novel optogenetic tools

摘要: Cellular processes and indeed the survival of entire organisms crucially depend on precise spatiotemporal coordination a multitude molecular events. A new tool in cell biology is denoted “optogenetics” which describes use genetically encoded, light-gated proteins, i.e. photoreceptors, perturb control cellular organismal behavior spatiotemporally exact manner. Photoreceptors resemble fluorescent reporter proteins such as GFP being non-invasive, applicable to intact cells organisms. They are explicitly intended modulate activity; contrast, generally do not disturb under study. Fluorescent have revolutionized because they allow monitoring by imaging techniques that offer superb resolution sensitivity. Optogenetics extends these advantages control. The scope optogenetics has recently been expanded beyond naturally occurring photoreceptors biologically-inspired design engineered (or synthetic) photoreceptors. These derived fusion one or more light-absorbing sensor domains with an output effector domain displaying activity be controlled. Here, we focus application We treat basic signaling principles discuss two photosensor classes currently most widely used fusion-based design: LOV phytochromes. Based principles, develop general strategies for engineering Finally, review successful examples Our perspective provides guidelines researchers interested developing applying novel optogenetic tools.