Optogenetischer Werkzeugkasten für neue experimentelle Ansätze

Abstract

In rhodopsin-based optogenetics the light-activatable cation channel ChR2 is employed to selectively gain control over single neurons. As arising experimental questions become more and more challenging, there is a strong need to further expand the optogenetic toolbox. Along with the discovery of various natural rhodopsins, molecular engineering facilitates the development of custom tools for a variety of applications, ranging from cell culture to light-control of whole organisms like Caenorhabditis elegans.