Christenson Wick Z, Krook-Magnuson E. Specificity, Versatility, and Continual Development: The Power of Optogenetics for Epilepsy Research.
Front Cell Neurosci 2018;
12:151. [PMID:
29962936 PMCID:
PMC6010559 DOI:
10.3389/fncel.2018.00151]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics is a powerful and rapidly expanding set of techniques that use genetically encoded light sensitive proteins such as opsins. Through the selective expression of these exogenous light-sensitive proteins, researchers gain the ability to modulate neuronal activity, intracellular signaling pathways, or gene expression with spatial, directional, temporal, and cell-type specificity. Optogenetics provides a versatile toolbox and has significantly advanced a variety of neuroscience fields. In this review, using recent epilepsy research as a focal point, we highlight how the specificity, versatility, and continual development of new optogenetic related tools advances our understanding of neuronal circuits and neurological disorders. We additionally provide a brief overview of some currently available optogenetic tools including for the selective expression of opsins.
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