The special feature: Even very small light doses are sufficient to operate this “molecular light switch.” This opens up new possibilities for the development of innovative therapies to treat blindness, deafness and cardiac arrhythmias. The results are published in Nature Biomedical Engineering.

Optogenetics is a ground-breaking technology that utilizes light-sensitive proteins, known as channelrhodopsins, to precisely control the activity of nerve and muscle cells. The genetic blueprints for these “molecular light switches” are introduced into the target cells via specially designed viral vectors. Cell activity can then be turned on and off by precisely timed light pulses.

The field of optogenetics has opened up new possibilities worldwide in basic research, but also for the treatment of diseases. In order to utilize this technology for the development of new treatment options, for example for heart patients, severely hearing-impaired and blind people, both the light-sensitive proteins and the viruses must be optimally adapted to ensure maximum benefit and the required safety for use in humans.