The promise of optogenetics in cell biology: interrogating molecular circuits in space and time

Nat Methods. 2011 Jan;8(1):35-8. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.f.326. Epub 2010 Dec 20.

Abstract

Optogenetic modules offer cell biologists unprecedented new ways to poke and prod cells. The combination of these precision perturbative tools with observational tools, such as fluorescent proteins, may dramatically accelerate our ability to understand the inner workings of the cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Biology*
  • Cytological Techniques / methods*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / radiation effects
  • Genetic Techniques*
  • Light*
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics*
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Photic Stimulation*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / radiation effects
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins