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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers
Published on: January 28, 2016
Protocol for optogenetic stimulation of cells under physical confinement
Qinling Yuan1, Alice Amitrano1, Debanik Choudhury1
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Institute for NanoBioTechnology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
Abstract:
Optogenetic approaches enable spatiotemporal control of signaling proteins, yet their integration with microfluidic assays to study confined cell migration remains challenging. Herein, we present a protocol for the optogenetic activation of PI3K/Akt signaling in confined cells. We detail procedures for applying stimulation to induce localized Akt activation at the cell's leading edge. This protocol enables real-time manipulation of subcellular signaling dynamics during confined migration. For additional information on the use of this protocol, please refer to Lee et al.1.
