Neuronal Insights through Optogenetics: Exploring the Intersection of Light and Genetics

Dear Colleagues,

Optogenetics has opened a new frontier in neuroscience, enabling groundbreaking discoveries that illuminate the complexities of the brain. By harnessing the interplay between light sources, such as LEDs and optical fibers, and genetically encoded light-sensitive proteins, advances in neural modulation and mapping have empowered researchers to delve more deeply into pressing challenges. These range from addressing Parkinson’s disease and modulating dopamine to restoring hearing through cochlear optogenetics. Therefore, we dedicated this special issue to focus on the promise of how optogenetics continues to evolve, it promises not only to illuminate the fundamentals of neuroscience but also to offer potential for innovative clinical applications.

Prof. Dr. Metin Akay
Guest Editor

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• optogenetics
• neuroscience
• brain
• optical fibers
• light-sensitive proteins
• neural modulation
• mapping
• Parkinson's disease
• dopamine modulation