Optogenetics is a technique using a combination of optical and genetic methods. Optogenetic tools are targetable, genetically encoded proteins that enable the use of light to either report or control the activity of molecular processes. Optogenetic reporters convert physiological signals into changes in fluorescence output. A wide variety of reporters, or biosensors, is available to measure changes in protein activity, calcium levels, membrane potential, etc.

Optogenetic actuators enable the modulation of cellular and molecular processes via the use of light-activated channels and pumps or light-activated interactions between proteins.

Many biosensors/actuators can be purchased online through Addgene.

Biosensors

Reviews

• Genetically encoded biosensors based on engineered fluorescent proteins, Frommer WB et al., 2009
• Fluorescent proteins and their applications in imaging living cells and tissues, Chudakov DM et al., 2010

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List of biosensors

• https://biosensordb.ucsd.edu/biosensorDB/CondBSlist.php

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Actuators

Reviews

• The development and applications of optogenetics, Fenno L. et al., 2011
• Guiding lights: recent developments in optogenetic control of biochemical signals, Yin T & Wu Yi, 2013
• Optogenetic control of cell function using engineered photoreceptors, Pathak GP et al., 2013
• Molecular tools and approaches for optogenetics, Mei Y & Zhang F, 2012
• The optogenetic (r)evolution, Rein ML & Deussing JM, 2012
• Toward the second generation of optogenetic tools, Knopfel T et al., 2010
• Optogenetic tools for mammalian systems, Muller K & Weber W, 2013
• Circuit dynamics of adaptive and maladaptive behaviour, Deisseroth K, 2014

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