Optogenetics for light control of biological systems

Optogenetic techniques have been developed to allow control over the activity of selected cells within a highly heterogeneous tissue, using combination genetic engineering and light. Optogenetics employs natural engineered photoreceptors, mostly microbial origin, be genetically introduced into interest. As result, that are naturally light-insensitive can made photosensitive addressable by illumination precisely controllable in time space. The selectivity expression subcellular targeting host is enabled applying elements such as promoters, enhancers specific sequences employed photoreceptor-encoding DNA. This powerful approach allows precise characterization manipulation cellular functions has motivated development advanced optical methods for patterned photostimulation. revolutionized neuroscience during past 15 years primed similar impact other fields, including cardiology, cell biology plant sciences. In this Primer, we describe principles optogenetics, review most commonly used optogenetic tools, approaches scientific applications discuss possibilities limitations associated with manipulations across wide variety techniques, cells, circuits organisms. involve introduction photoreceptors their Emiliani et al. medicine, cardiovascular science plants, among many uses.