Optogenetics: Basic Concepts and Their Development -- Natural Resources for Optogenetic Tools -- Algal Photobiology: A Rich Source of Unusual Light Sensitive Proteins for Synthetic Biology and Optogenetics -- Reversible Photoregulation of gene Expression and Translation -- Controlling Protein Activity and Degradation Using Blue-Light -- Photo-Control of Protein Function Using Photoactive Yellow Protein -- A Fluorometric Activity Assay for Light-Regulated Cyclic-Nucleotide-Monophosphate Actuators -- Optogenetic Control of Pancreatic Islets -- Optogenetics in Plants: Red/Far-Red Light Control of Gene Expression -- Perfect Channelrhodopsins: A User Guide -- Optogenetics in Drosophila Neuroscience -- Optogenetic Control of Mammalian Ion Channels with Chemical Photoswitches -- Optogenetic Modulation of Locomotor Activity on Free Behaving Rats -- Combines Optogenetic and Chemogenetic Control of Neurons -- Intracranial Injection of an Optogenetics Viral Vector Followed by Optical Cannula Implantation for Neural Stimulation in Rat Brain Cortex -- An Optomized Calcium-Phosphate Transfection Method for Characterizing Genetically Encoded Tools in Primary Neurons -- Optogenetic Approaches for Mesoscopic Brain Mapping -- Optogenetic Tools for Confined Stimulation in Deep Brain Structures -- Remote Patterning of Transgene Expression Using Near Infrared-Responsive Plasmonic Hydrogels -- Optogenetic Light Crafting Tools for the Control of Cardiac Arrhythmias -- Inscribing Optocal Excitability to Non-Excitable Cardiac Cells: Viral Delivery of Optogenetic Tools in Primary Cardiac Fibroblasts -- Optogenetic Engineering of Atrial Cardiomyocytes -- A Multi-Channel Recording System with Optical Stimulation for Closed-Loop Optogenetic Experiments -- Optogenetic Control of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Signaling -- Protein Inactivation by Optogenetic Trapping in Living Cells -- Optogenetic Manipulation of Selective Neural Activity in Free-Moving Drosophila Adults -- Guidelines for Photoreceptor Engineering.

This volume provides researchers with up-to-date protocols and takes a close look at current research and promising applications. Optogenetics: Methods and Protocols contains a collection of recently developed technical protocols on optogenetic applications in neuroscience, brain mapping, treatment of neurological disorders, and restoration of visual function. Several introductory and discussion chapters offer a wide overview about sources and diversity of optogenetic tools, design strategies, and potential applications in other fields like plant research. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting edge and thorough, Optogenetic: Methods and Protocols, delivers an interdisciplinary view of optogenetic applications and its potential to develop as a valuable tool for basic research, as well as biomedical and biotechnological applications. .