Opticool: Cutting-edge transgenic optical tools

TL;DR

This review discusses the rapid development and expanding applications of transgenic optical tools for studying biological processes in living cells.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of transgenic optical tools.

Findings

Transgenic optical tools have enabled real-time visualization of subcellular components and processes.

Genetically encoded sensors allow in vivo detection of molecule levels, pH, and enzyme activity.

Optogenetic systems facilitate single-cell modulation of protein function in diverse biological contexts.

Abstract

Only a few short decades have passed since the sequencing of GFP, yet the modern repertoire of transgenically encoded optical tools implies an exponential proliferation of ever improving constructions to interrogate the subcellular environment. A myriad of tags for labeling proteins, RNA, or DNA have arisen in the last few decades, facilitating unprecedented visualization of subcellular components and processes. Development of a broad array of modern genetically encoded sensors allows real-time, in vivo detection of molecule levels, pH, forces, enzyme activity, and other subcellular and extracellular phenomena in ever expanding contexts. Optogenetic, genetically encoded optically controlled manipulation systems have gained traction in the biological research community and facilitate single-cell, real-time modulation of protein function in vivo in ever broadening, novel applications. While this field continues to explosively expand, references are needed to assist scientists seeking to use and improve these transgenic devices in new and exciting ways to interrogate development and disease. In this review, we endeavor to highlight the state and trajectory of the field of in vivo transgenic optical tools.

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