Curated Optogenetic Publication Database

Search precisely and efficiently by using the advantage of the hand-assigned publication tags that allow you to search for papers involving a specific trait, e.g. a particular optogenetic switch or a host organism.

Qr: author:"Anna Price"
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1.

A single-component optogenetic toolkit for reversible visualization and programmable control of microtubule dynamics.

blue AsLOV2 CRY2/CIB1 CRY2/CRY2 A549 C. elegans in vivo C2C12 Cos-7 H9c2 HEK293 HeLa MEF-1 MIA PaCa-2 Neuro-2a NIH/3T3 SK-MEL-28 U-87 MG Control of cytoskeleton / cell motility / cell shape Benchmarking
Cell Rep Methods, 20 Jul 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2026.101532 Link to full text
Abstract: Microtubules form dynamic cytoskeletal scaffolds essential for intracellular transport, organelle positioning, and spatial organization of signaling. Their architecture and function are continuously remodeled through the concerted actions of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), post-translational modifications (PTMs), and molecular motors. To precisely interrogate these processes in living systems, we developed a genetically encoded, single-component optogenetic platform for spatiotemporal control of microtubule organization and dynamics. By harnessing light-induced oligomerization to regulate microtubule association, this system supports reversible microtubule labeling and plus-end tracking, localized control of tubulin PTMs, optically regulated kinesin-driven cargo transport, and inducible microtubule severing within a unified design strategy. Using these tools, we reveal how local microtubule integrity governs lysosomal trafficking and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated signaling dynamics. Collectively, this modular optogenetic toolkit bridges molecular design with cytoskeletal function, offering a versatile platform to dissect how dynamic cytoskeletal architectures coordinate intracellular organization, transport, and signaling.
2.

Optogenetic Tools for Spatiotemporal Interrogation of Cytoskeletal Dynamics.

blue cyan near-infrared red Cryptochromes Fluorescent proteins LOV domains Phytochromes Review
Bioconjug Chem, 26 Mar 2026 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6c00071 Link to full text
Abstract: The cytoskeleton is a dynamic intracellular network that governs cell shape, migration, division, and mechanotransduction. Precise spatiotemporal control of cytoskeletal regulation is essential for understanding how these processes are coordinated in physiology and disease, yet conventional pharmacological and genetic approaches often lack sufficient resolution or reversibility. Optogenetic technologies provide a powerful alternative by enabling light-controlled, noninvasive manipulation of cytoskeletal regulators with high temporal precision and subcellular specificity. This review summarizes recent advances in genetically encoded optogenetic tools for interrogating cytoskeletal dynamics. We discuss core design strategies, including allosteric regulation, light-induced oligomerization, heterodimerization, and dissociation, and highlight representative applications targeting actin filaments, microtubules, and upstream signaling pathways such as Rho family GTPases. We conclude by outlining current limitations and emerging directions, including improved tissue penetration, reduced phototoxicity, and multiplexed optical control, which are expected to further expand the utility of optogenetics in cytoskeleton research.
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