Abstract
Optogenetics has revolutionized neuroscience by providing means to control cell signaling with spatiotemporal control in discrete cell types. In this review, we summarize four major classes of optical tools to manipulate neuromodulatory GPCR signaling: opsins (including engineered chimeric receptors); photoactivatable proteins; photopharmacology through caging-photoswitchable molecules; fluorescent protein based reporters and biosensors. Additionally, we highlight technologies to utilize these tools in vitro and in vivo, including Cre dependent viral vector expression and two-photon microscopy. These emerging techniques targeting specific members of the GPCR signaling pathway offer an expansive base for investigating GPCR signaling in behavior and disease states, in addition to paving a path to potential therapeutic developments.
🔬 Techniques
🧬 Organisms
✨ Fluorophores
🧪 Sample Preparation
🧪 Reagent Suppliers
🏛️ Research Organizations (ROR)
Affiliated research institutions:
📊 Figures
Figure 1
Schematic representations of GPCR signaling in neurons. (a) GPCRs signal through both heterotrimeric G-proteins and arrestins. G i activates G protein-coupled inwardly-rectifying potassium channels (G...
Figure 2
Schematics of Non-GPCR optogenetic tools (a) Blue light sensitive flavoproteins induce conformational changes (LOV and BLUF domains, left panel) or protein interactions (LOV domains and cryptochromes,...
Figure images are served from the NIH/NLM PubMed Central Open Access Subset or Europe PMC; copyright remains with the publishers and authors.
💬 Discussion
0 commentsNo comments yet. Be the first to start a discussion!
Leave a Comment