Research article summary (published 14 Oct 2009):

The optogenetic catechism.

Full Abstract

An emerging set of methods enables an experimental dialogue with biological systems composed of many interacting cell types--in particular, with neural circuits in the brain. These methods are sometimes called "optogenetic" because they use light-responsive proteins ("opto-") encoded in DNA ("-genetic"). Optogenetic devices can be introduced into tissues or whole organisms by genetic manipulation and be expressed in anatomically or functionally defined groups of cells. Two kinds of devices perform complementary functions: Light-driven actuators control electrochemical signals, while light-emitting sensors report them. Actuators pose questions by delivering targeted perturbations; sensors (and other measurements) signal answers. These catechisms are beginning to yield previously unattainable insight into the organization of neural circuits, the regulation of their collective dynamics, and the causal relationships between cellular activity patterns and behavior.

Author information

Author/s: Miesenböck, Gero (G);

Affiliation: Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK. gero.miesenboeck(-atsign-)dpag.ox.ac.uk

Grants: (Agency:Medical Research Council)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.) (Science), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 326 (issue 5951) : pp 395-9

Dates: Created 2009/10/16; Completed 2009/10/26;

PMID: 19833960, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/26/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals Biotechnology - instrumentation; methods Brain - physiology Calcium - metabolism Gene Expression Profiling Genetic Engineering Light Membrane Potentials

Membrane Potentials Neural Pathways - physiology Neurons - physiology Neurosciences - methods Photons Proteins - metabolism Signal Transduction Synapses - physiology

Associated Chemicals: Proteins (0) ; Calcium (7440-70-2)

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