Optogenetics: molecules enabling neural control by light

We have pioneered the development of fully genetically encoded reagents that, when targeted to specific cells, enable their physiology to be controlled via light. These reagents, known as optogenetic tools, enable temporally precise control of neural electrical activity, cellular signaling, and other high-speed physiological processes using light. Such tools are in widespread use in neuroscience and bioengineering, for the study of how specific neurons contribute to cognition, emotion, and movement, and to brain disorder states, or to the remedy thereof. These tools are also being evaluated as components of prototype optical neural control prosthetics for ultraprecise treatment of intractable brain disorders. Derived from the natural world, these tools highlight the power of ecological diversity, in yielding technologies for analyzing biological complexity and addressing human health. We distribute these tools as freely as possible, and routinely host visitors to learn optogenetics.