[Optogenetics brings hidden neural mechanisms into the light and could become a future therapy]

Optogenetics is an emergent technology that combines light-sensitive proteins derived from algae, so-called opsins, with genetics. Viral vectors encoding opsins are injected into selective brain regions whereby specific cell populations can be controlled with high precision light pulses delivered via implanted optical fibres. This review focuses on explaining basic principles of optogenetics and describes important insights into neuropsychiatric mechanisms provided by the technology.