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Curated Optogenetic Publication Database

Search precisely and efficiently by using the advantage of the hand-assigned publication tags that allow you to search for papers involving a specific trait, e.g. a particular optogenetic switch or a host organism.

Qr: author:"Megan Chiu"
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1.

A single-component optogenetic toolkit for reversible visualization and programmable control of microtubule dynamics.

blue AsLOV2 CRY2/CIB1 CRY2/CRY2 A549 C. elegans in vivo C2C12 Cos-7 H9c2 HEK293 HeLa MEF-1 MIA PaCa-2 Neuro-2a NIH/3T3 SK-MEL-28 U-87 MG Control of cytoskeleton / cell motility / cell shape Benchmarking
Cell Rep Methods, 20 Jul 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2026.101532 Link to full text
Abstract: Microtubules form dynamic cytoskeletal scaffolds essential for intracellular transport, organelle positioning, and spatial organization of signaling. Their architecture and function are continuously remodeled through the concerted actions of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), post-translational modifications (PTMs), and molecular motors. To precisely interrogate these processes in living systems, we developed a genetically encoded, single-component optogenetic platform for spatiotemporal control of microtubule organization and dynamics. By harnessing light-induced oligomerization to regulate microtubule association, this system supports reversible microtubule labeling and plus-end tracking, localized control of tubulin PTMs, optically regulated kinesin-driven cargo transport, and inducible microtubule severing within a unified design strategy. Using these tools, we reveal how local microtubule integrity governs lysosomal trafficking and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated signaling dynamics. Collectively, this modular optogenetic toolkit bridges molecular design with cytoskeletal function, offering a versatile platform to dissect how dynamic cytoskeletal architectures coordinate intracellular organization, transport, and signaling.
2.

A single-component optogenetic toolkit for programmable control of microtubule.

blue AsLOV2 CRY2/CIB1 CRY2/CRY2 C. elegans in vivo HeLa Signaling cascade control Control of cytoskeleton / cell motility / cell shape Organelle manipulation
bioRxiv, 3 Nov 2025 DOI: 10.1101/2025.10.31.685931 Link to full text
Abstract: Microtubules (MTs) form dynamic cytoskeletal scaffolds essential for intracellular transport, organelle positioning, and spatial organization of signaling. Their architecture and function are continuously remodeled through the concerted actions of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), post-translational modifications (PTMs), and molecular motors. To precisely interrogate these processes in living systems, we developed a genetically encoded optogenetic toolkit for spatiotemporal control of MT organization and dynamics. By replacing native multimerization motifs with a blue light-responsive oligoermization domain, we have engineered single-component probes, OptoMT and OptoTIP, that reversibly label MT polymers or track plus-ends with tunable kinetics from seconds to minutes. When coupled to enzymatic effectors, these modules enable localized tubulin acetylation or detyrosination, directly linking PTMs to MT stability. We further engineered OptoMotor, a light-activatable kinesin platform that reconstitutes tail-dependent cargo transport along MTs, and OptoSAW, a light-triggered severing actuator for controlled MT disassembly. Using these tools, we reveal how local MT integrity governs lysosomal trafficking and ER-associated signaling dynamics. Collectively, this versatile single-component toolkit bridges molecular design with cytoskeletal function, offering new avenues to illuminate how dynamic cytoskeletal architectures coordinate intracellular organization, transport, and signaling.
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