A series of commentaries for a symposium entitled "Session 3SDA - Optogenetics: applying photoreceptor for understanding biological phenomena".
Abstract:
In this symposium, six speakers introduced the cutting-edge technologies and researches in optogenetics (Fig. 1). Optogenetics markedly revolutionized life science. This technique allows fast and precise control of a defined biological event, such as neuronal excitation, cell locomotion, gene expression, and so on, even in a complex system such as freely moving animals. Optogenetics has been realized through understanding the molecular properties of photoreceptors, developing new optical techniques, genetics in model systems, and modern brain science.
