Optogenetics: Tools for Controlling Brain Cells with Light

Edward S Boyden

doi:10.1142/s2529732519400133

Abstract

The brain is made out of an incredible diversity of cells called neurons, which have different shapes, are made of different molecules, and that change in different ways in diseases. In optogenetics, microbial opsins, natural proteins that convert light into electrical signals, are genetically expressed in neurons. Then, light pulses can be used to turn neurons on, revealing how they trigger behaviors, disease states, or therapeutic effects, or to turn neurons off, revealing what functions or dysfunctions they are necessary for.

Highlights

The MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (MIT) Faculty has made this article openly available
Electrical pulses called action potentials propagate throughout complex treelike branches (Fig. 1), eventually reaching synapses, where they trigger chemicals called neurotransmitters to be released onto proteins called receptors on downstream neurons, mediating neural communication (Fig. 2)
My group at MIT went on to show that light-driven chloride pumps and proton pumps could be used to turn neurons off with green or yellow light[13,14,15]

Summary

Introduction

The MIT Faculty has made this article openly available. Please share how this access benefits you. The brain is made out of an incredible diversity of cells called neurons, which have different shapes, are made of different molecules, and that change in different ways in diseases.

Results

Conclusion