Optogenetic reporters

The discovery of naturally evolved fluorescent proteins and their subsequent tuning by protein engineering provided the basis for a large family of genetically encoded biosensors that report a variety of physicochemical processes occurring in living tissue. These optogenetic reporters are powerful tools for live-cell microscopy and quantitative analysis at the subcellular level. In this review, we present an overview of the transduction mechanisms that have been exploited for engineering these genetically encoded reporters. Finally, we discuss current and future efforts towards the combined use of various optogenetic actuators and reporters for simultaneously controlling and imaging the physiology of cells and tissues. Fluorescent proteins provide the basis for a large family of genetically encoded biosensors that report a variety of physicochemical processes occurring in living tissue. The image depicts the structure of Aequorea green fluorescent protein (left) and schematic structures of prominent calcium (upper right) and membrane voltage (lower right) indicators.