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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 17, 2026

In vivo Optogenetic Stimulation of the Rodent Central Nervous System

In vivo Optogenetic Stimulation of the Rodent Central Nervous System

Published on: January 15, 2015

An optogenetic upgrade for the Tet-OFF system.

Konrad Müller¹, Matias D Zurbriggen^1,2, Wilfried Weber^3,4

¹Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

|February 17, 2015

Summary

Researchers developed a new optogenetic tool to control gene expression using blue light. This system upgrades existing chemical-inducible systems, enabling traceless, light-controlled gene expression in mammalian cells.

Keywords:

TET system gene switch inducible expression optogenetics

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Last Updated: Apr 17, 2026

In vivo Optogenetic Stimulation of the Rodent Central Nervous System

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Published on: January 15, 2015

Laser-scanning Photostimulation of Optogenetically Targeted Forebrain Circuits

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Published on: December 27, 2013

Building a Simple and Versatile Illumination System for Optogenetic Experiments

Building a Simple and Versatile Illumination System for Optogenetic Experiments

Published on: January 12, 2021

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Optogenetics
Gene Regulation

Background:

Mammalian optogenetics offers precise control over biological systems using light.
Existing chemically-inducible systems lack the spatiotemporal resolution of light-based methods.
Upgrading chemical systems to optogenetic ones can enhance experimental control.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a method for upgrading existing chemically-inducible transgene expression systems to be light-inducible.
To create a traceless, light-controlled system for gene expression.
To enable tunable, blue light-inducible transgene expression in mammalian cells.

Main Methods:

Utilized the Med25VBD inhibitor, specific to the VP16/VP64 transactivation domain.
Fused Med25VBD to the blue light-responsive B-LID degron.
Optimized the construct by varying Med25VBD repeats.
Applied the system to upgrade the Tet-OFF system in HEK-293T cells.

Main Results:

Demonstrated the efficiency and selectivity of Med25VBD in inhibiting VP16/VP64-based systems.
Successfully created a blue light-inducible optogenetic system.
Achieved tunable transgene expression in response to blue light.
The upgraded Tet-OFF system showed effective blue light-inducible gene expression in HEK-293T cells.

Conclusions:

The developed optogenetic tool enables the conversion of chemical-inducible systems to light-inducible ones.
This approach provides a traceless and spatiotemporally controlled method for gene expression.
The system offers a valuable upgrade for existing transgenic models and cell lines, enhancing experimental flexibility.