Optogenetics, the technology that allows scientists to selectively activate neurons that were genetically engineered to produce light sensitive proteins, has opened an incredible window into how our brains work. Yet, being able to activate more than one set of neurons independently of each other would significantly expand the reach of optogenetics in explaining how the brain functions. Now researchers at MIT have discovered a way to do just that by introducing a new light sensitive protein.
Until now, the genetically engineered neurons were able to produce proteins that are only sensitive to blueish light. That meant that all the engineered cells are turned on and off together, limiting the ability to analyze their interactions and behavior in relation to each other. The MIT team discovered a new protein that is reactive to red light, but that does nothing when light of different colors is introduced. It was found by screening dozens of proteins derived from algae, and the process also led to the discovery of the fastest light-reacting protein yet, further improving the potential of optogenetics.
Study in Nature Methods: Independent optical excitation of distinct neural populations…
MIT stateement: Optogenetic toolkit goes multicolor…