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Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

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Published on: January 28, 2016

[Manipulating Living Systems by Light].

Moritoshi Sato¹

¹Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo.

Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan

|August 4, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers merged genome engineering and optogenetics to create light-switchable gene editing tools. These novel systems enable precise DNA modification and gene activation, offering new ways to control cellular functions with light.

Keywords:

CRISPR-Cas9 system Cre-loxP system Magnet system optogenetics photoswitching protein

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Area of Science:

Genetics
Molecular Biology
Optogenetics

Background:

The human genome's complexity necessitates advanced tools for understanding and modifying biological processes.
Optogenetics offers precise temporal and spatial control over cellular functions using light.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop novel optogenetic tools for genome engineering and gene activation.
To merge genome engineering and optogenetics for enhanced biological control.

Main Methods:

Development of photoactivatable Cas9 (PA-Cas9) by fragmenting Cas9 and using the Magnet system for light-inducible dimerization.
Creation of a light-inducible, RNA-guided system for endogenous gene activation.
Development of a photoactivatable Cre-loxP system for optical control of DNA recombination.

Main Results:

PA-Cas9 enables light-controlled DNA sequence editing.
Demonstrated rapid and reversible targeted gene activation using light.
Successfully applied optogenetic tools to control neuronal differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Developed a photoactivatable Cre-loxP system for non-invasive optical control of DNA recombination in internal organs.

Conclusions:

The developed CRISPR-Cas9-based optogenetic tools offer a versatile approach for precise gene activation and editing.
Merging genome engineering and optogenetics provides powerful new methods for biological research and therapeutic applications.