Optogenetics: The Key to Deciphering and Curing Neurological Diseases

Optogenetics is an emerging branch of biology that combines genetics and optics to achieve precise light control of specific cells in organisms. It is a method of studying excitable cells that uses proteins that are embedded in the cell membrane and are activated by light (i.e. “opto”). Such proteins (opsins) are found in most animals in the retina of the eyes, as well as in some plants, such as green algae. In order to integrate photoactivated proteins into neuronal membranes, it is necessary to introduce rhodopsin genes obtained from other organisms into neurons, hence the “genetics”. Optogenetics is widely used in the field of modern neurobiology, and plays an essential role in the study of the mechanism of neural circuits, behaviors, central nervous system diseases, and mental disorders. Based on the development of optogenetics technology, this paper introduces its optimization and localization expression, which not only provides references for the research and development of optogenetics, but also provides the possibility for in-depth research and treatment of neurological diseases.