Optogenetic Techniques - A Tool for Optical Control of Biological Systems

Optogenetics is a combination of genetic engineering and light techniques that has evolved to control the activity of specific cells in a highly heterogeneous tissue. Optogenetics uses naturally occurring and engineered photoreceptors, mostly of microbial origin, to genetically target specific cells. As a result, cells that are not naturally light sensitive can be made light activatable and precisely controllable in time and space. Cell-type specificity and targeting in the host is made possible through control elements such as promoters, amplifiers and specific gene encoding sequences for the photoreceptor. This powerful technique enables precise identification and manipulation of cellular functions, motivating the development of advanced optical methods for light stimulation. Optogenetics has transformed neuroscience over the past 15 years and appears poised to have a similar impact in other areas including cardiology, cell biology and plant sciences. In this webinar we will discuss the principles of optogenetics, common optogenetic tools used, scientific applications as well as limitations associated with optogenetic manipulations across a broad spectrum of optical techniques, cells, circuits and organisms.