AUTHOR=Klapper Simon D. , Swiersy Anka , Bamberg Ernst , Busskamp Volker TITLE=Biophysical Properties of Optogenetic Tools and Their Application for Vision Restoration Approaches JOURNAL=Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience VOLUME=10 YEAR=2016 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/systems-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2016.00074 DOI=10.3389/fnsys.2016.00074 ISSN=1662-5137 ABSTRACT=

Optogenetics is the use of genetically encoded light-activated proteins to manipulate cells in a minimally invasive way using light. The most prominent example is channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), which allows the activation of electrically excitable cells via light-dependent depolarization. The combination of ChR2 with hyperpolarizing-light-driven ion pumps such as the Cl− pump halorhodopsin (NpHR) enables multimodal remote control of neuronal cells in culture, tissue, and living animals. Very soon, it became obvious that this method offers a chance of gene therapy for many diseases affecting vision. Here, we will give a brief introduction to retinal function and retinal diseases; optogenetic vision restoration strategies will be highlighted. We will discuss the functional and structural properties of rhodopsin-based optogenetic tools and analyze the potential for the application of vision restoration.