Optogenetics is a scientific field and set of tools that shines light on genetically modified cells to activate channels within the cells to make them more or less active. The light is often introduced with surgically implanted optical fibers through which laser light is passed into highly targeted regions containing the genetically modified cells.
Many optogenetic techniques use a molecule called channelrhodopsin, naturally occurring in algae. This molecule acts like a gate letting charged particles (ions) in or out of the cell. Channelrhodopsin opens the gate in response to light.
Scientists insert the genetic instructions for channelrhodopsin into a cell type that they want to control and then grow the cells for use in optogenetic experiments. Once implanted in a test subject (usually a lab animal, but in some cases humans), researchers can carefully control which cells are exposed to light and when. The genetically modified cells produce channelrhodopsin which becomes incorporated into the cell membranes. When researchers shine light on the cells, channelrhodopsin opens the gate to let ions in or out of the cell, increasing or decreasing the activity of the modified cells.
Optogenetics has been largely used to study the brain, but more recently, other organs, such as the heart and bones. It has great potential in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, both in basic research and clinical applications. More information on optogenetics can be found here.
Image: Ed Boyden and Massachusetts Institute of Technology McGovern Institute
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