Lights up on the embryonic dance: tools and applications of optogenetics in developmental biology
Abstract
In developmental biology, cellular events must be orchestrated at precise times and locations in the embryo. Many classic discoveries were achieved by perturbing developmental organization using approaches ranging from tissue transplantation to local, acute heat shock. A growing suite of optogenetic tools is now available with fine spatiotemporal control, opening the door to perturbation experiments with unprecedented precision. Here we highlight these tools, review their application in developmental contexts, and discuss their current challenges and future promise.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
Light effects on plants
Planarian Biology and Electrostimulation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Genes & Development
- Publisher
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Volume
- 40
- Issue
- 9-10
- Pages
- 607–626
- Publication date
- 30 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Preprint