Optogenetic Actuators

The ability to study the central nervous system (CNS) using optogenetic actuators has profoundly transformed neurosciences. Currently, Creative Biolabs offers optogenetic actuators production services to clients worldwide. Our dedicated team of neuroscience specialists has an in-depth understanding of the optogenetic actuator applications and will help you find the best solution for your research requirements.

Overview of Optogenetic Actuators

Optogenetics commonly refers to genetically encoded light-activated channels that enable analysis and modification of neural activity. These genetic manipulations involve the introduction of genes that encode chromogenic proteins, which are also optogenetic tools. The optogenetic toolbox includes (1) optogenetic actuators to manipulate numerous cellular activities and (2) fluorescent sensors to visualize signaling events in cells.

Optogenetic Tools: Actuators

Optogenetic actuators are light-driven proteins to perturb electrochemical signals. Optogenetic actuators can control various cellular functions and pathways by exploiting photosensitive proteins that bind, aggregate, dissociate or change conformation upon light illumination. Manipulation of neural circuit activity using optogenetics has been achieved in vivo. These actuators suppress neural activity, induce many action potentials, or modify signaling pathways.

Fig.1 Overview of optogenetic actuators.¹

Optogenetic Actuators for Neuronal Activity in CNS

The most widely used actuators are opsins, naturally occurring light-sensitive transmembrane proteins. Several microbial opsins, such as channelrhodopsins and halorhodopsin, have recently been established as high-performance optogenetic actuators for the control of CNS. For example, channelrhodopsins allow defining neurons whose activation is sufficient to elicit a specific postsynaptic response or behavioral response. Moreover, halorhodopsin define which neurons are necessary for a particular postsynaptic response or behavior. Remarkably, these actuators provide spatial and temporal control over neuronal activity via light and can be genetically targeted to various specific neurons. These discoveries gave new impetus, especially to the neuroscience field, and led to designing light-sensitive proteins with faster kinetics and sensitivity.

Fig.2 The concepts of different actuators for activation and inhibition of cells.²

Services at Creative Biolabs

The continued search for novel light-activated actuators and genetic alterations to existing actuators may help create channels with sufficient spectral separation to allow for precise optical control of single-cell activity with high temporal resolution. Creative Biolabs is the premier provider of customized services in the field of neurosciences. Our team of scientists has a wealth of experience in neuroscience research to support the development of various research tools, such as optogenetic actuators. We can work with you to understand your development needs and figure out the best way to optimize your activated actuators.

Creative Biolabs means efficiency and high quality thanks to highly specialized staff and advanced platforms. We have more than ten years of experience providing comprehensive support and tools for your neuroscience research. To learn more detailed information, please directly contact us. We look forward to working with you in the future.

Our optogenetic actuator services include the following:

• Optogenetic Actuators Design: Our team of experts can design custom optogenetic actuators based on the specific requirements of your research project.
• Optogenetic Actuators Production: We have state-of-the-art facilities for the production of optogenetic actuators, including viral vectors, plasmids, and other tools for optogenetic experiments.
• Optogenetic Actuators Validation: Before providing optogenetic actuators to researchers, we thoroughly validate their functionality and efficiency in controlling neural activity.
• Optogenetic Actuators Delivery: We offer convenient shipping options for delivering optogenetic actuators to researchers worldwide.

Our optogenetic actuator services are designed to support and accelerate neuroscience research by providing researchers with reliable tools for controlling neural activity using light. We also offer other related services, including but not limited to:

Published Data

Optogenetics is a powerful approach in neuroscience research. Jiali Wang et al. constructed three subcellularly targeted optogenetic actuators. They constructed three subcellularly targeted optogenetic actuators based on the channel retinoid ChR2-XXL, utilizing 5, 10, or 15 tandem repeat sequences (TRs) from mucin as the N-terminal targeting motifs, and evaluated the expression in several polarized and non-polarized cell types.

To investigate the applicability of the newly constructed actuators, they evaluated their expression and transfection efficiency in HEK293 cells, MDCK cells, and neurons. Overall, of the three actuators, TR5-ChR2XXL performed best in cells, which could be used for specific research questions where optogenetics is not yet applicable.

Fig. 3 Optogenetics actuator constructs and the electrophysiological characterization in cells.³

Applications of Optogenetic Actuators

• Neural Circuit Dissection
• Behavioral Studies
• Pathway-Specific Modulation in Disease Models
• In Vivo and In Vitro Studies
• Temporal Control of Synaptic Plasticity
• Precision Neuromodulation for Therapeutic Research
• High-Resolution Brain Mapping
• Combining Optogenetics with Other Technologies

FAQs

Q: What types of optogenetic actuators do you offer, and how do I choose the right one for my study?

A: We offer a wide range of optogenetic actuators, including commonly used channels like Channelrhodopsin (ChR2) for activation and Halorhodopsin (NpHR) or Archaerhodopsin (ArchT) for inhibition. The choice depends on your research goals, such as whether you need to activate or inhibit neurons, the speed of response required, and the wavelength of light available in your setup. Our experts can assist you in selecting the most suitable actuator based on your specific experimental needs.

Q: Can your service assist with designing experiments that combine optogenetics with other techniques like calcium imaging?

A: Absolutely. We can help design experiments that integrate optogenetics with calcium imaging or other techniques such as electrophysiology or behavioral assays. Our team has extensive experience in creating multimodal approaches that allow for real-time monitoring of neuronal activity while manipulating specific neural circuits. This combination enhances the power of your experiments, enabling a deeper understanding of neural dynamics.

Q: How customizable are your optogenetic actuators for specific research needs, such as targeting subcellular compartments?

A: Our optogenetic actuators can be highly customized to meet specific research requirements, including targeting subcellular compartments like axons, dendrites, or synapses. We can modify the targeting sequence of the optogenetic tools to direct them to desired cellular locations. Additionally, we offer custom designs for actuators with specific kinetic properties or light sensitivity to suit your unique experimental needs.

Q: What is the typical timeline for completing a project using your optogenetic actuators service?

A: The timeline for completing a project varies depending on its complexity, but typically, from initial consultation to final data analysis, it can range from a few weeks to several months. The process includes the design and production of viral vectors, delivery and expression validation, and experimental execution followed by data analysis. We work closely with you to ensure that each phase of the project is completed efficiently, keeping your research on schedule.

Scientific Resources

Optogenetics in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases

References

1. Rost, Benjamin R., et al. "Optogenetic tools for subcellular applications in neuroscience." Neuron 96.3 (2017): 572-603.
2. Boesmans, Werend, Marlene M. Hao, and Pieter Vanden Berghe. "Optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques for neurogastroenterology." Nature reviews Gastroenterology & hepatology 15.1 (2018): 21-38.
3. Wang, Jiali, et al. "Expressing Optogenetic Actuators Fused to N‐terminal Mucin Motifs Delivers Targets to Specific Subcellular Compartments in Polarized Cells." Advanced biology 8.3 (2024): 2300428.

For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.