Abstract
The expression of a gene to a protein is one of the most vital biological processes. The use of light to control biology offers unparalleled spatiotemporal resolution from an external, orthogonal signal. A variety of methods have been developed that use light to control the steps of transcription and translation of specific genes into proteins, for cell-free to in vivo biotechnology applications. These methods employ techniques ranging from the modification of small molecules, nucleic acids and proteins with photocages, to the engineering of proteins involved in gene expression using naturally light-sensitive proteins. Although the majority of currently available technologies employ ultraviolet light, there has been a recent increase in the use of functionalities that work at longer wavelengths of light, to minimise cellular damage and increase tissue penetration. Here, we discuss the different chemical and biological methods employed to control gene expression, while also highlighting the central themes and the most exciting applications within this diverse field.
Highlights
Light is an ideal stimulus to control biological systems
A major area of research is the use of light to control, arguably, the most fundamental biological pathway, gene expression
Specific endogenous genes can be controlled with light by modifying existing technologies
Summary
Light is an ideal stimulus to control biological systems. It acts orthogonally to cellular signals in a large number of organisms and allows for the tightest spatiotemporal control of any input [1]. Small molecules are widely used to regulate gene expression and have been extensively photocaged to control their activity with light (Figure 2A).
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