Bioluminescence-Optogenetics: A Practical Guide

Methods Mol Biol. 2022:2525:333-346. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2473-9_26.

Abstract

Manipulation of neural activity in genetically predefined populations of neurons through genetic techniques is an essential tool in the field of neuroscience as well as a potential avenue in treating a vast assortment of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Here, we describe an emerging methodology of molecular neuromodulation termed bioluminescence-optogenetics (BL-OG) where BL is harnessed to activate bacterial light-driven channels and pumps expressed in neurons to control their activity. BL-OG is realized through opsin-luciferase fusion proteins called luminopsins (LMOs). In this chapter, we will provide a practical guide for applying BL-OG and LMOs in vitro using a cell line and primary cells in culture. In the following chapter, we will turn our focus towards BL-OG applications in ex vivo and in vivo rodent models of the nervous system.

Keywords: Bioluminescence (BL); Channelrhodopsin; Chemogenetics; Coelenterazine; Halorhodopsin; Luciferase; Luciferin; Luminopsins (LMOs); Optogenetics (OG); Step-function opsin (SFO).

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Light*
  • Luciferases / genetics
  • Luciferases / metabolism
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Opsins / genetics
  • Opsins / metabolism
  • Optogenetics* / methods

Substances

  • Opsins
  • Luciferases