Two Decades of Optogenetic Tools: A Retrospective and a Look Ahead.

ABSTRACT: Over the past two decades, optogenetics has evolved from a conceptual framework into a powerful and versatile technology for controlling cellular processes with light. Rooted in the discovery and characterization of natural photoreceptors, the field has advanced through the development of genetically encoded, light-sensitive proteins that enable precise spatiotemporal control of ion flux, intracellular signaling, gene expression, and protein interactions. This review traces key milestones in the emergence of optogenetics and highlights the development of major optogenetic tools. From the perspective of genetic tool innovation, the focus is on how these tools have been engineered and optimized for novel or enhanced functions, altered spectral properties, improved light sensitivity, subcellu

SUBMITTER: Duan X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12482941 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature