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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
07:19
Bioluminescent Optogenetics 2.0: Harnessing Bioluminescence to Activate Photosensory Proteins In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: August 4, 2021
Control of synaptic communication through molecularly engineered bioluminescence light emission and sensing
Ashley N Slaviero1, Mansi Prakash2, Rachel Schumaker1
1Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, MI, USA.
Communications Biology
|July 10, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed Interluminescence (Int), a novel platform using bioluminescence to control synaptic transmission. This method enables precise modulation of neuronal communication via transsynaptic optogenetics, offering versatile applications in neuroscience research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Synapses are crucial for neuronal communication and signal integration.
- Existing methods for controlling synaptic transmission have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a modular platform, Interluminescence (Int), for experimental control of synaptic transmission.
- To enable transsynaptic optogenetic activation of postsynaptic neurons using bioluminescence.
Main Methods:
- Developed the Interluminescence (Int) platform utilizing luciferase-generated bioluminescence.
- Implemented two strategies: 'Act-Int' (vesicle-released luciferase) and 'Persist-Int' (membrane-tethered luciferase).
- Used bioluminescent light to activate transsynaptic optogenetic ion channels in postsynaptic neurons.
Main Results:
- Both 'Act-Int' and 'Persist-Int' strategies effectively modulated postsynaptic neurons with comparable efficacy.
- The platform demonstrated modularity, allowing variation in luciferase and opsin properties.
- Interluminescence successfully mediated both activity-dependent and activity-independent synaptic transmission.
Conclusions:
- Interluminescence (Int) provides a versatile and modular tool for controlling synaptic transmission.
- The platform offers precise experimental control over neuronal communication via bioluminescence-driven optogenetics.
- This technology has broad applications for studying synaptic function and neural circuits.
