Bioluminescence-Optogenetics.

ABSTRACT

In this chapter, we introduce a relatively new, emerging method for molecular neuromodulation-bioluminescence-optogenetics. Bioluminescence-optogenetics is mediated by luminopsin fusion proteins-light-sensing opsins fused to light-emitting luciferases. We describe their structures and working mechanisms and discuss their unique benefits over conventional optogenetics and chemogenetics. We also summarize applications of bioluminescence-optogenetics in various neurological disease models in rodents.