Optical control of the Ca2+ concentration in a live specimen with a genetically encoded Ca2+-releasing molecular tool

Insights into the dynamics of the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channel pore-forming complex Orai1

An important calcium (Ca2+) entry pathway into the cell is the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel, which controls a series of downstream signaling events such as gene transcription, secretion and proliferation. It is composed of a Ca2+ sensor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the stromal interaction molecule (STIM), and the Ca2+ ion channel Orai in the plasma membrane (PM). Their activation is initiated by receptor-ligand binding at the PM, which triggers a signaling cascade within the cell that ultimately causes store depletion. The decrease in ER-luminal Ca2+ is sensed by STIM1, which undergoes structural rearrangements that lead to coupling with Orai1 and its activation. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of the Orai1 pore opening mechanism. In this context, we also point out the questions that remain unanswered and how these can be addressed by the currently emerging genetic code expansion (GCE) technology. GCE enables the incorporation of non-canonical amino acids with novel properties, such as light-sensitivity, and has the potential to provide novel insights into the structure/function relationship of CRAC channels at a single amino acid level in the living cell.

Cardiac optogenetics: shining light on signaling pathways

In the early 2000s, the field of neuroscience experienced a groundbreaking transformation with the advent of optogenetics. This innovative technique harnesses the properties of naturally occurring and genetically engineered rhodopsins to confer light sensitivity upon target cells. The remarkable spatiotemporal precision offered by optogenetics has provided researchers with unprecedented opportunities to dissect cellular physiology, leading to an entirely new level of investigation. Initially revolutionizing neuroscience, optogenetics quickly piqued the interest of the wider scientific community, and optogenetic applications were expanded to cardiovascular research. Over the past decade, researchers have employed various optical tools to observe, regulate, and steer the membrane potential of excitable cells in the heart. Despite these advancements, achieving control over specific signaling pathways within the heart has remained an elusive goal. Here, we review the optogenetic tools suitable to control cardiac signaling pathways with a focus on GPCR signaling, and delineate potential applications for studying these pathways, both in healthy and diseased hearts. By shedding light on these exciting developments, we hope to contribute to the ongoing progress in basic cardiac research to facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic possibilities for treating cardiovascular pathologies.

Arbitrary Ca2+ regulation for endothelial nitric oxide, NFAT and NF-κB activities by an optogenetic approach

Modern western dietary habits and low physical activity cause metabolic abnormalities and abnormally elevated levels of metabolites such as low-density lipoprotein, which can lead to immune cell activation, and inflammatory reactions, and atherosclerosis. Appropriate stimulation of vascular endothelial cells can confer protective responses against inflammatory reactions and atherosclerotic conditions. This study aims to determine whether a designed optogenetic approach is capable of affecting functional changes in vascular endothelial cells and to evaluate its potential for therapeutic regulation of vascular inflammatory responses in vitro. We employed a genetically engineered, blue light-activated Ca²⁺ channel switch molecule that utilizes an endogenous store-operated calcium entry system and induces intracellular Ca²⁺ influx through blue light irradiation and observed an increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ in vascular endothelial cells. Ca²⁺-dependent activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells and nitric oxide production were also detected. Microarray analysis of Ca²⁺-induced changes in vascular endothelial cells explored several genes involved in cellular contractility and inflammatory responses. Indeed, there was an increase in the gene expression of molecules related to anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxant effects. Thus, a combination of human blue light-activated Ca²⁺ channel switch 2 (hBACCS2) and blue light possibly attenuates TNFα-induced inflammatory NF-κB activity. We propose that extrinsic cellular Ca²⁺ regulation could be a novel approach against vascular inflammation.

Calcium-permeable channelrhodopsins for the photocontrol of calcium signalling

Channelrhodopsins are light-gated ion channels used to control excitability of designated cells in large networks with high spatiotemporal resolution. While ChRs selective for H+, Na+, K+ and anions have been discovered or engineered, Ca2+-selective ChRs have not been reported to date. Here, we analyse ChRs and mutant derivatives with regard to their Ca2+ permeability and improve their Ca2+ affinity by targeted mutagenesis at the central selectivity filter. The engineered channels, termed CapChR1 and CapChR2 for calcium-permeable channelrhodopsins, exhibit reduced sodium and proton conductance in connection with strongly improved Ca2+ permeation at negative voltage and low extracellular Ca2+ concentrations. In cultured cells and neurons, CapChR2 reliably increases intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Moreover, CapChR2 can robustly trigger Ca2+ signalling in hippocampal neurons. When expressed together with genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators in Drosophila melanogaster mushroom body output neurons, CapChRs mediate light-evoked Ca2+ entry in brain explants.

A guide to designing photocontrol in proteins: methods, strategies and applications

Light is essential for various biochemical processes in all domains of life. In its presence certain proteins inside a cell are excited, which either stimulates or inhibits subsequent cellular processes. The artificial photocontrol of specifically proteins is of growing interest for the investigation of scientific questions on the organismal, cellular and molecular level as well as for the development of medicinal drugs or biocatalytic tools. For the targeted design of photocontrol in proteins, three major methods have been developed over the last decades, which employ either chemical engineering of small-molecule photosensitive effectors (photopharmacology), incorporation of photoactive non-canonical amino acids by genetic code expansion (photoxenoprotein engineering), or fusion with photoreactive biological modules (hybrid protein optogenetics). This review compares the different methods as well as their strategies and current applications for the light-regulation of proteins and provides background information useful for the implementation of each technique.

Deciphering Molecular Mechanisms and Intervening in Physiological and Pathophysiological Processes of Ca2+ Signaling Mechanisms Using Optogenetic Tools

Calcium ion channels are involved in numerous biological functions such as lymphocyte activation, muscle contraction, neurotransmission, excitation, hormone secretion, gene expression, cell migration, memory, and aging. Therefore, their dysfunction can lead to a wide range of cellular abnormalities and, subsequently, to diseases. To date various conventional techniques have provided valuable insights into the roles of Ca2+ signaling. However, their limited spatiotemporal resolution and lack of reversibility pose significant obstacles in the detailed understanding of the structure-function relationship of ion channels. These drawbacks could be partially overcome by the use of optogenetics, which allows for the remote and well-defined manipulation of Ca2+-signaling. Here, we review the various optogenetic tools that have been used to achieve precise control over different Ca2+-permeable ion channels and receptors and associated downstream signaling cascades. We highlight the achievements of optogenetics as well as the still-open questions regarding the resolution of ion channel working mechanisms. In addition, we summarize the successes of optogenetics in manipulating many Ca2+-dependent biological processes both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, optogenetics has significantly advanced our understanding of Ca2+ signaling proteins and the used tools provide an essential basis for potential future therapeutic application.

SpiCee: A Genetic Tool for Subcellular and Cell-Specific Calcium Manipulation

Calcium is a second messenger crucial to a myriad of cellular processes ranging from regulation of metabolism and cell survival to vesicle release and motility. Current strategies to directly manipulate endogenous calcium signals lack cellular and subcellular specificity. We introduce SpiCee, a versatile and genetically encoded chelator combining low- and high-affinity sites for calcium. This scavenger enables altering endogenous calcium signaling and functions in single cells in vitro and in vivo with biochemically controlled subcellular resolution. SpiCee paves the way to investigate local calcium signaling in vivo and directly manipulate this second messenger for therapeutic use.

Enlightening Allostery: Designing Switchable Proteins by Photoreceptor Fusion

Optogenetics harnesses natural photoreceptors to non-invasively control selected processes in cells with previously unmet spatiotemporal precision. Linking the activity of a protein of choice to the conformational state of a photosensor domain through allosteric coupling represents a powerful method for engineering light-responsive proteins. It enables the design of compact and highly potent single-component optogenetic systems with fast on- and off-switching kinetics. However, designing protein-photoreceptor chimeras, in which structural changes of the photoreceptor are effectively propagated to the fused effector protein, is a challenging engineering problem and often relies on trial and error. Here, recent advances in the design and application of optogenetic allosteric switches are reviewed. First, an overview of existing optogenetic tools based on inducible allostery is provided and their utility for cell biology applications is highlighted. Focusing on light-oxygen-voltage domains, a widely applied class of small blue light sensors, the available strategies for engineering light-dependent allostery are presented and their individual advantages and limitations are highlighted. Finally, high-throughput screening technologies based on comprehensive insertion libraries, which could accelerate the creation of stimulus-responsive receptor-protein chimeras for use in optogenetics and beyond, are discussed.

Engineering Photosensory Modules of Non-Opsin-Based Optogenetic Actuators

Optogenetic (photo-responsive) actuators engineered from photoreceptors are widely used in various applications to study cell biology and tissue physiology. In the toolkit of optogenetic actuators, the key building blocks are genetically encodable light-sensitive proteins. Currently, most optogenetic photosensory modules are engineered from naturally-occurring photoreceptor proteins from bacteria, fungi, and plants. There is a growing demand for novel photosensory domains with improved optical properties and light-induced responses to satisfy the needs of a wider variety of studies in biological sciences. In this review, we focus on progress towards engineering of non-opsin-based photosensory domains, and their representative applications in cell biology and physiology. We summarize current knowledge of engineering of light-sensitive proteins including light-oxygen-voltage-sensing domain (LOV), cryptochrome (CRY2), phytochrome (PhyB and BphP), and fluorescent protein (FP)-based photosensitive domains (Dronpa and PhoCl).

Optogenetic approaches to control Ca2+-modulated physiological processes

As a versatile intracellular second messenger, calcium ion (Ca²⁺) regulates a plethora of physiological processes. To achieve precise control over Ca²⁺ signals in living cells and organisms, a set of optogenetic tools have recently been crafted by engineering photosensitive domains into intracellular signaling proteins, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and Ca²⁺ channels. We highlight herein the optogenetic engineering strategies, kinetic properties, advantages and limitations of these genetically-encoded Ca²⁺ channel actuators (GECAs) and modulators. In parallel, we present exemplary applications in both excitable and non-excitable cells and tissues. Furthermore, we briefly discuss potential solutions for wireless optogenetics to accelerate the in vivo applications of GECAs under physiological conditions, with an emphasis on integrating near-infrared (NIR) light-excitable upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and bioluminescence with optogenetics.

Intracellular signaling dynamics and their role in coordinating tissue repair

Tissue repair is a complex process that requires effective communication and coordination between cells across multiple tissues and organ systems. Two of the initial intracellular signals that encode injury signals and initiate tissue repair responses are calcium and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). However, calcium and ERK signaling control a variety of cellular behaviors important for injury repair including cellular motility, contractility, and proliferation, as well as the activity of several different transcription factors, making it challenging to relate specific injury signals to their respective repair programs. This knowledge gap ultimately hinders the development of new wound healing therapies that could take advantage of native cellular signaling programs to more effectively repair tissue damage. The objective of this review is to highlight the roles of calcium and ERK signaling dynamics as mechanisms that link specific injury signals to specific cellular repair programs during epithelial and stromal injury repair. We detail how the signaling networks controlling calcium and ERK can now also be dissected using classical signal processing techniques with the advent of new biosensors and optogenetic signal controllers. Finally, we advocate the importance of recognizing calcium and ERK dynamics as key links between injury detection and injury repair programs that both organize and execute a coordinated tissue repair response between cells across different tissues and organs. This article is categorized under: Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Imaging Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organ, Tissue, and Physiological Models.

Optogenetic tools for dissecting complex intracellular signaling pathways

Intracellular signaling forms complicated networks that involve dynamic alterations of the protein-protein interactions occurring inside a cell. To dissect these complex networks, light-inducible optogenetic technologies have offered a novel approach for modulating the function of intracellular machineries in space and time. Optogenetic approaches combine genetic and optical methods to initiate and control protein functions within live cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the optical strategies that can be used to manipulate intracellular signaling proteins and secondary messengers at the molecular level. We briefly address how an optogenetic actuator can be engineered to enhance homo- or hetero-interactions, survey various optical tools and targeting strategies for controlling cell-signaling pathways, examine their extension to in vivo systems and discuss the future prospects for the field.

Designing cell function: assembly of synthetic gene circuits for cell biology applications

Synthetic biology is the discipline of engineering application-driven biological functionalities that were not evolved by nature. Early breakthroughs of cell engineering, which were based on ectopic (over)expression of single sets of transgenes, have already had a revolutionary impact on the biotechnology industry, regenerative medicine and blood transfusion therapies. Now, we require larger-scale, rationally assembled genetic circuits engineered to programme and control various human cell functions with high spatiotemporal precision in order to solve more complex problems in applied life sciences, biomedicine and environmental sciences. This will open new possibilities for employing synthetic biology to advance personalized medicine by converting cells into living therapeutics to combat hitherto intractable diseases.

Precise cell behaviors manipulation through light-responsive nano-regulators: recent advance and perspective

Nanotechnology-assisted spatiotemporal manipulation of biological events holds great promise in advancing the practice of precision medicine in healthcare systems. The progress in internal and/or external stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms for highly specific cellular regulations and theranostic controls offer potential clinical translations of the revolutionized nanomedicine. To successfully implement this new paradigm, the emerging light-responsive nanoregulators with unparalleled precise cell functions manipulation have gained intensive attention, providing UV-Vis light-triggered photocleavage or photoisomerization studies, as well as near-infrared (NIR) light-mediated deep-tissue applications for stimulating cellular signal cascades and treatment of mortal diseases. This review discusses current developments of light-activatable nanoplatforms for modulations of various cellular events including neuromodulations, stem cell monitoring, immunomanipulation, cancer therapy, and other biological target intervention. In summary, the propagation of light-controlled nanomedicine would place a bright prospect for future medicine.

Light-Controlled Mammalian Cells and Their Therapeutic Applications in Synthetic Biology

The ability to remote control the expression of therapeutic genes in mammalian cells in order to treat disease is a central goal of synthetic biology-inspired therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, optogenetics, a combination of light and genetic sciences, provides an unprecedented ability to use light for precise control of various cellular activities with high spatiotemporal resolution. Recent work to combine optogenetics and therapeutic synthetic biology has led to the engineering of light-controllable designer cells, whose behavior can be regulated precisely and noninvasively. This Review focuses mainly on non-neural optogenetic systems, which are often used in synthetic biology, and their applications in genetic programing of mammalian cells. Here, a brief overview of the optogenetic tool kit that is available to build light-sensitive mammalian cells is provided. Then, recently developed strategies for the control of designer cells with specific biological functions are summarized. Recent translational applications of optogenetically engineered cells are also highlighted, ranging from in vitro basic research to in vivo light-controlled gene therapy. Finally, current bottlenecks, possible solutions, and future prospects for optogenetics in synthetic biology are discussed.

Blue-Light Receptors for Optogenetics

Sensory photoreceptors underpin light-dependent adaptations of organismal physiology, development, and behavior in nature. Adapted for optogenetics, sensory photoreceptors become genetically encoded actuators and reporters to enable the noninvasive, spatiotemporally accurate and reversible control by light of cellular processes. Rooted in a mechanistic understanding of natural photoreceptors, artificial photoreceptors with customized light-gated function have been engineered that greatly expand the scope of optogenetics beyond the original application of light-controlled ion flow. As we survey presently, UV/blue-light-sensitive photoreceptors have particularly allowed optogenetics to transcend its initial neuroscience applications by unlocking numerous additional cellular processes and parameters for optogenetic intervention, including gene expression, DNA recombination, subcellular localization, cytoskeleton dynamics, intracellular protein stability, signal transduction cascades, apoptosis, and enzyme activity. The engineering of novel photoreceptors benefits from powerful and reusable design strategies, most importantly light-dependent protein association and (un)folding reactions. Additionally, modified versions of these same sensory photoreceptors serve as fluorescent proteins and generators of singlet oxygen, thereby further enriching the optogenetic toolkit. The available and upcoming UV/blue-light-sensitive actuators and reporters enable the detailed and quantitative interrogation of cellular signal networks and processes in increasingly more precise and illuminating manners.

Optogenetic Tools for Subcellular Applications in Neuroscience

The ability to study cellular physiology using photosensitive, genetically encoded molecules has profoundly transformed neuroscience. The modern optogenetic toolbox includes fluorescent sensors to visualize signaling events in living cells and optogenetic actuators enabling manipulation of numerous cellular activities. Most optogenetic tools are not targeted to specific subcellular compartments but are localized with limited discrimination throughout the cell. Therefore, optogenetic activation often does not reflect context-dependent effects of highly localized intracellular signaling events. Subcellular targeting is required to achieve more specific optogenetic readouts and photomanipulation. Here we first provide a detailed overview of the available optogenetic tools with a focus on optogenetic actuators. Second, we review established strategies for targeting these tools to specific subcellular compartments. Finally, we discuss useful tools and targeting strategies that are currently missing from the optogenetics repertoire and provide suggestions for novel subcellular optogenetic applications.

Applications of Optobiology in Intact Cells and Multicellular Organisms

Temporal kinetics and spatial coordination of signal transduction in cells are vital for cell fate determination. Tools that allow for precise modulation of spatiotemporal regulation of intracellular signaling in intact cells and multicellular organisms remain limited. The emerging optobiological approaches use light to control protein-protein interaction in live cells and multicellular organisms. Optobiology empowers light-mediated control of diverse cellular and organismal functions such as neuronal activity, intracellular signaling, gene expression, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. In this review, we highlight recent developments in optobiology, focusing on new features of second-generation optobiological tools. We cover applications of optobiological approaches in the study of cellular and organismal functions, discuss current challenges, and present our outlook. Taking advantage of the high spatial and temporal resolution of light control, optobiology promises to provide new insights into the coordination of signaling circuits in intact cells and multicellular organisms.

Optogenetic toolkit for precise control of calcium signaling

Calcium acts as a second messenger to regulate a myriad of cell functions, ranging from short-term muscle contraction and cell motility to long-term changes in gene expression and metabolism. To study the impact of Ca2+-modulated 'ON' and 'OFF' reactions in mammalian cells, pharmacological tools and 'caged' compounds are commonly used under various experimental conditions. The use of these reagents for precise control of Ca2+ signals, nonetheless, is impeded by lack of reversibility and specificity. The recently developed optogenetic tools, particularly those built upon engineered Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, provide exciting opportunities to remotely and non-invasively modulate Ca2+ signaling due to their superior spatiotemporal resolution and rapid reversibility. In this review, we briefly summarize the latest advances in the development of optogenetic tools (collectively termed as 'genetically encoded Ca2+ actuators', or GECAs) that are tailored for the interrogation of Ca2+ signaling, as well as their applications in remote neuromodulation and optogenetic immunomodulation. Our goal is to provide a general guide to choosing appropriate GECAs for optical control of Ca2+ signaling in cellulo, and in parallel, to stimulate further thoughts on evolving non-opsin-based optogenetics into a fully fledged technology for the study of Ca2+-dependent activities in vivo.

Methods for monitoring signaling molecules in cellular compartments

Cells, irrespective of whether they are from multicellular or single-celled organisms, must communicate with the external environment through dynamic regulation of their internal metabolism, which are critical for their survival. Fluorescent and bioluminescent proteins, and related genetic engineering technologies, have provided new opportunities to investigate the molecular dynamics of cells and their internal compartments, with high spatio-temporal resolution. In this review article, since there is a sufficient number of previous reviews summarizing the history of their development and the techniques behind them, here we will focus on molecular features or technologies that have the potential to further open novel investigations of cellular and subcellular dynamics.

Probes for manipulating and monitoring IP3

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) is an important second messenger produced via G-protein-coupled receptor- or receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated pathways. IP₃ levels induce Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via IP₃ receptor (IP₃R) located in the ER membrane. The resultant spatiotemporal pattern of Ca²⁺ signals regulates diverse cellular functions, including fertilization, gene expression, synaptic plasticity, and cell death. Therefore, monitoring and manipulating IP₃ levels is important to elucidate not only the functions of IP₃-mediated pathways but also the encoding mechanism of IP₃R as a converter of intracellular signals from IP₃ to Ca²⁺.

Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Indicators for Organellar Calcium Imaging

Optical Ca(2+) indicators are powerful tools for investigating intracellular Ca(2+) signals in living cells. Although a variety of Ca(2+) indicators have been developed, deciphering the physiological functions and spatiotemporal dynamics of Ca(2+) in intracellular organelles remains challenging. Genetically encoded Ca(2+) indicators (GECIs) using fluorescent proteins are promising tools for organellar Ca(2+) imaging, and much effort has been devoted to their development. In this review, we first discuss the key points of organellar Ca(2+) imaging and summarize the requirements for optimal organellar Ca(2+) indicators. Then, we highlight some of the recent advances in the engineering of fluorescent GECIs targeted to specific organelles. Finally, we discuss the limitations of currently available GECIs and the requirements for advancing the research on intraorganellar Ca(2+) signaling.

Rewiring Multidomain Protein Switches: Transforming a Fluorescent Zn(2+) Sensor into a Light-Responsive Zn(2+) Binding Protein

Protein-based sensors and switches provide attractive tools for the real-time monitoring and control of molecular processes in complex biological environments. Fluorescent sensor proteins have been developed for a wide variety of small molecules, but the construction of genetically encoded light-responsive ligand binding proteins remains mostly unexplored. Here we present a generic approach to reengineer a previously developed FRET-based Zn(2+) sensor into a light-activatable Zn(2+) binding protein using a design strategy based on mutually exclusive domain interactions. These so-called VividZn proteins consist of two light-responsive Vivid domains that homodimerize upon illumination with blue light, thus preventing the binding of Zn(2+) between two Zn(2+) binding domains, Atox1 and WD4. Following optimization of the linker between WD4 and the N-terminus of one of the Vivid domains, VividZn variants were obtained that show a 9- to 55-fold decrease in Zn(2+) affinity upon illumination, which is fully reversible following dark adaptation. The Zn(2+) affinities of the switch could be rationally tuned between 1 pM and 2 nM by systematic variation of linker length and mutation of one of the Zn(2+) binding residues. Similarly, introduction of mutations in the Vivid domains allowed tuning of the switching kinetics between 10 min and 7 h. Low expression levels in mammalian cells precluded the demonstration of light-induced perturbation of cytosolic Zn(2+) levels. Nonetheless, our results firmly establish the use of intramolecular Vivid dimerization as an attractive light-sensitive input module to rationally engineer light-responsive protein switches based on mutually exclusive domain interactions.

A photostable fluorescent probe for rapid monitoring and tracking of a trans-membrane process and mitochondrial fission and fusion dynamics

The MT-PVIM probe was capable of monitoring and tracking a trans membrane process and mitochondrial fission and fusion dynamics.

Light generation of intracellular Ca(2+) signals by a genetically encoded protein BACCS

Ca²⁺ signals are highly regulated in a spatiotemporal manner in numerous cellular physiological events. Here we report a genetically engineered blue light-activated Ca²⁺ channel switch (BACCS), as an optogenetic tool for generating Ca²⁺ signals. BACCS opens Ca²⁺-selective ORAI ion channels in response to light. A BACCS variant, dmBACCS2, combined with Drosophila Orai, elevates the Ca²⁺ concentration more rapidly, such that Ca²⁺ elevation in mammalian cells is observed within 1 s on light exposure. Using BACCSs, we successfully control cellular events including NFAT-mediated gene expression. In the mouse olfactory system, BACCS mediates light-dependent electrophysiological responses. Furthermore, we generate BACCS mutants, which exhibit fast and slow recovery of intracellular Ca²⁺. Thus, BACCSs are a useful optogenetic tool for generating temporally various intracellular Ca²⁺ signals with a large dynamic range, and will be applicable to both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Current tools for optogenetic control of intracellular calcium signals currently suffer from slow response time or low dynamic range. Here the authors develop blue light-activated Ca2⁺ channel switch (BACCS) that modulates the activity of Ca2⁺-sensitive Orai channels with high temporal resolution and large dynamic range.

Investigating neuronal function with optically controllable proteins

In the nervous system, protein activities are highly regulated in space and time. This regulation allows for fine modulation of neuronal structure and function during development and adaptive responses. For example, neurite extension and synaptogenesis both involve localized and transient activation of cytoskeletal and signaling proteins, allowing changes in microarchitecture to occur rapidly and in a localized manner. To investigate the role of specific protein regulation events in these processes, methods to optically control the activity of specific proteins have been developed. In this review, we focus on how photosensory domains enable optical control over protein activity and have been used in neuroscience applications. These tools have demonstrated versatility in controlling various proteins and thereby cellular functions, and possess enormous potential for future applications in nervous systems. Just as optogenetic control of neuronal firing using opsins has changed how we investigate the function of cellular circuits in vivo, optical control may yet yield another revolution in how we study the circuitry of intracellular signaling in the brain.

Optical control of biological processes by light-switchable proteins

Cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, or migration depend on precise spatiotemporal coordination of protein activities. Correspondingly, reaching a quantitative understanding of cellular behavior requires experimental approaches that enable spatial and temporal modulation of protein activity. Recently, a variety of light-sensitive protein domains have been engineered as optogenetic actuators to spatiotemporally control protein activity. In the present review, we discuss the principle of these optical control methods and examples of their applications in modulating signaling pathways. By controlling protein activity with spatiotemporal specificity, tunable dynamics, and quantitative control, light-controllable proteins promise to accelerate our understanding of cellular and organismal biology.

Expanded palette of Nano-lanterns for real-time multicolor luminescence imaging

Fluorescence live imaging has become an essential methodology in modern cell biology. However, fluorescence requires excitation light, which can sometimes cause potential problems, such as autofluorescence, phototoxicity, and photobleaching. Furthermore, combined with recent optogenetic tools, the light illumination can trigger their unintended activation. Because luminescence imaging does not require excitation light, it is a good candidate as an alternative imaging modality to circumvent these problems. The application of luminescence imaging, however, has been limited by the two drawbacks of existing luminescent protein probes, such as luciferases: namely, low brightness and poor color variants. Here, we report the development of bright cyan and orange luminescent proteins by extending our previous development of the bright yellowish-green luminescent protein Nano-lantern. The color change and the enhancement of brightness were both achieved by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) from enhanced Renilla luciferase to a fluorescent protein. The brightness of these cyan and orange Nano-lanterns was ∼20 times brighter than wild-type Renilla luciferase, which allowed us to perform multicolor live imaging of intracellular submicron structures. The rapid dynamics of endosomes and peroxisomes were visualized at around 1-s temporal resolution, and the slow dynamics of focal adhesions were continuously imaged for longer than a few hours without photobleaching or photodamage. In addition, we extended the application of these multicolor Nano-lanterns to simultaneous monitoring of multiple gene expression or Ca(2+) dynamics in different cellular compartments in a single cell.

Structural details of light activation of the LOV2-based photoswitch PA-Rac1

Optical control of cellular processes is an emerging approach for studying biological systems, affording control with high spatial and temporal resolution. Specifically designed artificial photoswitches add an interesting extension to naturally occurring light-regulated functionalities. However, despite a great deal of structural information, the generation of new tools cannot be based fully on rational design yet; in many cases design is limited by our understanding of molecular details of light activation and signal transduction. Our biochemical and biophysical studies on the established optogenetic tool PA-Rac1, the photoactivatable small GTPase Rac1, reveal how unexpected details of the sensor-effector interface, such as metal coordination, significantly affect functionally important structural elements of this photoswitch. Together with solution scattering experiments, our results favor differences in the population of pre-existing conformations as the underlying allosteric activation mechanism of PA-Rac1, rather than the assumed release of the Rac1 domain from the caging photoreceptor domain. These results have implications for the design of new optogenetic tools and highlight the importance of including molecular details of the sensor-effector interface, which is however difficult to assess during the initial design of novel artificial photoswitches.

Live imaging of calcium spikes during double fertilization in Arabidopsis

Ca²⁺ waves and oscillation are key signalling elements during the fertilization process of animals, and are involved, for example, in egg activation. In the unique double fertilization process in flowering plants, both the egg cell and the neighbouring central cell fuse with a sperm cell each. Here we succeeded in imaging cytosolic Ca²⁺ in these two cells, and in the two synergid cells that accompany the gametes during semi-in vivo double fertilization. Following pollen tube discharge and plasmogamy, the egg and central cells displayed transient Ca²⁺ spikes, but not oscillations. Only the events in the egg cell correlated with the plasmogamy. In contrast, the synergid cells displayed Ca²⁺ oscillations on pollen tube arrival. The two synergid cells showed distinct Ca²⁺ dynamics depending on their respective roles in tube reception. These Ca²⁺ dynamics in the female gametophyte seem to represent highly specific signatures that coordinate successful double fertilization in the flowering plants.

Intracellular calcium waves are key signalling elements during the fertilization process of animals, involved in egg activation. Here the authors image calcium oscillations during the fertilization process in flowering plants, revealing specific signatures involved in the success of this process.