Synthetic biological approaches to optogenetically control cell signaling

•Optogenetics uses light to control genetically encoded cell components.•It is a precise tool for systematically addressing complex biological questions.•It has a potential for applications in medicine, pharmacology and elsewhere.•The latest optogenetic systems move from single cells to in vivo applications.

Precise spatial and temporal control of cellular processes is in life sciences a highly sought-after capability. In the recent years, this goal has become progressively achievable through the field of optogenetics, which utilizes light as a non-invasive means to control genetically encoded light-responsive proteins. The latest optogenetic systems, such as those for control of subcellular localization or cellular decision-making and tissue morphogenesis provide us with insights to gain a deeper understanding of the cellular inner workings. Besides, they hold a potential for further development into biomedical applications, from in vitro optogenetics-assisted drug candidate screenings to light-controlled gene therapy and tissue engineering.

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