A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Red Light Optogenetics in Neuroscience (2022)

Lehtinen, K., Nokia, M. S., & Takala, H. (2022). Red Light Optogenetics in Neuroscience. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 15, Article 778900. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2021.778900

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Lehtinen, Kimmo; Nokia, Miriam S.; Takala, Heikki

Journal or series: Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience

eISSN: 1662-5102

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 03/01/2022

Volume: 15

Article number: 778900

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2021.778900

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79296

Abstract

Optogenetics, a field concentrating on controlling cellular functions by means of light-activated proteins, has shown tremendous potential in neuroscience. It possesses superior spatiotemporal resolution compared to the surgical, electrical, and pharmacological methods traditionally used in studying brain function. A multitude of optogenetic tools for neuroscience have been created that, for example, enable the control of action potential generation via light-activated ion channels. Other optogenetic proteins have been used in the brain, for example, to control long-term potentiation or to ablate specific subtypes of neurons. In in vivo applications, however, the majority of optogenetic tools are operated with blue, green, or yellow light, which all have limited penetration in biological tissues compared to red light and especially infrared light. This difference is significant, especially considering the size of the rodent brain, a major research model in neuroscience. Our review will focus on the utilization of red light-operated optogenetic tools in neuroscience. We first outline the advantages of red light for in vivo studies. Then we provide a brief overview of the red light-activated optogenetic proteins and systems with a focus on new developments in the field. Finally, we will highlight different tools and applications, which further facilitate the use of red light optogenetics in neuroscience.

Keywords: optogenetics; brain; proteins; light (electromagnetic radiation); red (color); neurosciences; in vivo method

Free keywords: optogenetics; neuroscience; brain; neuron; near-infrared; opsin; phytochrome

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1