The state of the art of biomedical applications of optogenetics

Abstract

Background and objective Optogenetics has opened new insights into biomedical research with the ability to manipulate and control cellular activity using light in combination with genetically engineered photosensitive proteins. By stimulating with light, this method provides high spatiotemporal and high specificity resolution, which is in contrast to conventional pharmacological or electrical stimulation. Optogenetics was initially introduced to control neural activities but was gradually extended to other biomedical fields. Study design In this paper, firstly, we summarize the current optogenetic tools stimulated by different light sources, including lasers, light‐emitting diodes, and laser diodes. Second, we outline the variety of biomedical applications of optogenetics not only for neuronal circuits but also for various kinds of cells and tissues from cardiomyocytes to ganglion cells. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of this technique for treating neurological disorders, cardiac arrhythmia, visual impairment, hearing loss, and urinary bladder diseases as well as clarify the mechanisms underlying cancer progression and control of stem cell differentiation. Conclusion We sought to summarize the various types of promising applications of optogenetics to treat a broad spectrum of disorders. It is conceivable to expect that optogenetics profits a growing number of patients suffering from a range of different diseases in the near future.

Feasibility of Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV2) Based Vector for the Locus Coeruleus Optogenetic Activation in Non-Transgenic Rats: Implications for Functional Studies

“…Optogenetics rapidly has become a standard tool in neuroscience research as it permits cell-type-specific targeting and temporally precise activity modulation [ 20 ]; both features are desirable for a gain or loss of function experiments. In the past decade, the optogenetic approach has been increasingly applied in biomedical research and cognitive neuroscience [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. The most commonly used methods to deliver functional opsin genes are viruses, in vivo electroporation, and the generation of transgenic animals.…”

Photoactivation of LOV domains with chemiluminescence

“…12 A major hurdle in the eld is the difficulty of delivering light to tissues and cells in optically non-transparent systems due to high photon scattering and low penetration. 13 This has limited most studies to cell culture, transparent organisms (e.g. Drosophila, zebra sh and C. elegans) and peripheral body parts.…”

Ethics and regulation of neuronal optogenetics in the European Union

“…By combining the methods of genetics and optics, optogenetics can be used to study the cell physiology in a cell-type specific manner, e.g., in neuronal cells, especially neurons in cell cultures as well as in animal models [ 30 ]. In basic research, neuronal optogenetics approaches are expected to advance knowledge about the functions and controllability of specific neuronal classes.…”

“…Optogenetic methods can also be applied to stem cells [ 45 ] or muscle cells [ 68 ]. However, the application of optogenetics to neuronal cells (neuronal optogenetics) is of greater practical interest than the application to other cells, as neuronal optogenetics is intended to be applied to humans as a therapy for neuronal diseases [ 30 ]. In the last decade, the development of optogenetics has made progress using it in human cerebral organoids and in animal models, so that a transfer to human medicine is being discussed [ 30 ].…”