The optogenetic catechism. Science (New York, N.Y.) [Science] Journal article

Title	The optogenetic catechism.
Author(s)	Miesenböck G
Institution	Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK. gero.miesenboeck@dpag.ox.ac.uk
Source	Science 2009 Oct 16; 326(5951):395-9.
MeSH	Animals Biotechnology Brain Calcium Gene Expression Profiling Genetic Engineering Light Membrane Potentials Neural Pathways Neurons Neurosciences Photons Proteins Signal Transduction Synapses
Abstract	An emerging set of methods enables an experimental dialogue with biological systems composed of many interacting cell types--in particular, with neural circuits in the brain. These methods are sometimes called "optogenetic" because they use light-responsive proteins ("opto-") encoded in DNA ("-genetic"). Optogenetic devices can be introduced into tissues or whole organisms by genetic manipulation and be expressed in anatomically or functionally defined groups of cells. Two kinds of devices perform complementary functions: Light-driven actuators control electrochemical signals, while light-emitting sensors report them. Actuators pose questions by delivering targeted perturbations; sensors (and other measurements) signal answers. These catechisms are beginning to yield previously unattainable insight into the organization of neural circuits, the regulation of their collective dynamics, and the causal relationships between cellular activity patterns and behavior.
Language	eng
Pub Type(s)	Journal Article Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review
PubMed ID	19833960

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