Optical highlighter molecules in neurobiology

The development of advanced optical methods has played a key role in propelling progress in neurobiology. Genetically-encoded fluorescent molecules found in nature have enabled labeling of individual neurons to study their physiology and anatomy. Here we discuss the recent use of both native and synthetic optical highlighter proteins to address key problems in neurobiology, including questions relevant to synaptic function, neuroanatomy, and the organization of neural circuits.

► Optical highlighter proteins circumvent limits of conventional fluors. ► Photoconversion enables spatially localized pulse-chase experiments in neurons. ► Neurobiological applications (from synapses to circuits) are discussed.