Clinical applicability of optogenetic gene regulation

Abstract

The field of optogenetics is rapidly growing in relevance and number of developed tools. Among other things, the optogenetic repertoire includes light-responsive ion channels and methods for gene regulation. This review will be confined to the optogenetic control of gene expression in mammalian cells as suitable models for clinical applications. Here optogenetic gene regulation might offer an excellent method for spatially and timely regulated gene and protein expression in cell therapeutic approaches. Well-known systems for gene regulation, such as the LOV-, CRY2/CIB-, PhyB/PIF-systems, as well as other, in mammalian cells not yet fully established systems, will be described. Advantages and disadvantages with regard to clinical applications are outlined in detail. Among the many unanswered questions concerning the application of optogenetics, we discuss items such as the use of exogenous chromophores and their effects on the biology of the cells and methods for a gentle, but effective gene transfection method for optogenetic tools for in vivo applications.

Optogenetics in taste research: A decade of enlightenment

“…The number of relevant and developing optogenetics tools for mammalian cells is growing rapidly (Wichert et al, 2021). To date, however, the optical tools that have been applied in taste research are mainly limited to ChR2.…”

Sistemas Optoelectrónicos para Terapias Fototérmicas Dirigidas al Cáncer de Piel y Optogenética en la Regeneración de Tejido Nervioso

“…La optogenética apunta a una estimulación directa y controlada evitando la invasividad de las anteriores técnicas, al menos mientras la aplicación no es en la profundidad del cerebro, a pesar de que hay muchos estudios que aplican la optogenética en esta área (Liu et al, 2022;Shuo Chen et al, 2020;Wenqing Chen et al, 2022;Yu et al, 2020). Una ventaja sobre la estimulación eléctrica es que la optoestimulación es inalámbrica, evitando los problemas de tener unos electrodos implantados, o de tener que implantarlos para cada sesión, ya que está dirigida a un tejido específico y previamente preparado (Wichert et al, 2021).…”