Optogenetic methods to record cellular activity

<a href="/facts/Optogenetics/RbYYcrr2">Optogenetics</a> began with methods to alter neuronal activity with light, using e.g. <a href="/facts/Channelrhodopsin/rg7KvAcU">channelrhodopsins</a>. In a broader sense, optogenetic approaches also include the use of genetically encoded <a href="/facts/Biosensor/MaUAS0gD">biosensors</a> to monitor the activity of neurons or other cell types by measuring <a href="/facts/Fluorescence/qsJVT2qP">fluorescence</a> or <a href="/facts/Bioluminescence/IlzgyV4E">bioluminescence</a>. Genetically encoded <a href="/facts/Calcium_imaging/3Y85smYK">calcium indicators</a> (GECIs) are used frequently to monitor neuronal activity, but other cellular parameters such as membrane voltage or second messenger activity can also be recorded optically. The use of optogenetic sensors is not restricted to <a href="/facts/Neuroscience/o5RV8Cas">neuroscience</a>, but plays increasingly important roles in <a href="/facts/Immunology/vylm0L8e">immunology</a>, <a href="/facts/Cardiology/KCeWn418">cardiology</a> and <a href="/facts/Cancer_research/w7HvoRug">cancer research</a>.

Optogenetic methods to record cellular activity open-in-new

Optogenetic methods to record cellular activity