Platform on Molecular Optogenetics

OptoBase is an annotated database, which aims to cover all existing non-opsin-based optogenetic switches and publications. It is meant for both expert optogeneticists, to easily keep track of the field, as well as for all researchers who find optogenetics inviting as a powerful tool to address their biological questions of interest.

Cite as: K. Kolar et al.: OptoBase: A Web Platform for Molecular Optogenetics. ACS Synth. Biol. 2018, DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00120

News & Updates (see all entries)
Nov. 27, 2025 | OptoBase Maintenance Notice

Dear OptoBase users,
We are currently performing essential maintenance on the OptoBase server.
As a result, parts of the database may be out of date and some website functions may be temporarily limited. Thank you for your patience while we work to restore full functionality.
Your OptoBase Team

Nov. 26, 2025 | Research Highlights in November

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Optogenetic Switches

(see the extended overview of the switches)

Click on a switch for additional information.

Fluorescent proteins

PhoCl

BLUF domains

PixD/PixE

LOV domains

AsLOV2 LOVTRAP iLID TULIP AtLOV2 BcLOV4 CrLOV1
EL222 FKF1/GI NcWC1-LOV RsLOV VfAU1-LOV VVD Magnets
YtvA PtAU1-LOV cpLOV2 cpLOVTRAP cpLID PAL

Phytochromes

BphP1/PpsR2 BphP1/Q-PAS1
UV Violet Blue Cyan Green Yellow Red Far Red
300 nm 400 nm 500 nm 600 nm 700 nm

UV receptors

UVR8/COP1 UVR8/UVR8

Cryptochromes

CRY2/CIB1 CRY2/CRY2 CRY2clust CRY2olig CRY2high CRY2low

Fluorescent proteins

PYP

Fluorescent proteins

Dronpa145K/N Dronpa145N pdDronpa1

Cobalamin-binding domains

MxCBD TtCBD

Phytochromes

BICYCL-Green

Phytochromes

Cph1 DrBphP nanoReD MagRed PnBphP FnBphP PaaC PagC PhyA/FHY1 & PhyA/FHL PhyB/PIF3 & PhyB/PIF6 BICYCL-Red iLight