Âé¶¹ÒùÔº


Team manipulates intracellular signal transduction using optogenetic technology

Manipulating intracellular signal transduction using optogenetic technology
Credit: Development (2025). DOI: 10.1242/dev.204403

A research team led by Dr. Tetsuya Muramoto from the Faculty of Science at Toho University has demonstrated the mechanisms by which periodic chemical signal frequencies in cells regulate gene expression via transcription factors and influence the cell fate determination processes. This discovery was made using optogenetic technology, which facilitates the manipulation of biological phenomena using light.

The findings are in Development.

Designated areas (white circles) were irradiated with blue light at specific frequencies (indicated in the top left of each panel) to examine chemotactic aggregation. Credit: Dr. Tetsuya Muramoto

The study revealed the mechanisms by which periodic intracellular cAMP signal frequencies regulate transcription factor shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm and multicellular structure formation. The researchers successfully detected and monitored cAMP using optogenetic technology combined with biosensors, which facilitated the precise real-time analysis of cellular responses.

The findings highlight the significance of frequency-selective cellular responses in , providing valuable insights into the intercellular signal transduction mechanisms.

More information: Kensuke Yamashita et al, Optogenetic control of cAMP oscillations reveals frequency-selective transcription factor dynamics in Dictyostelium, Development (2025).

Journal information: Development

Provided by Toho University

Citation: Team manipulates intracellular signal transduction using optogenetic technology (2025, January 21) retrieved 3 October 2025 from /news/2025-01-team-intracellular-transduction-optogenetic-technology.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Researchers discover how cells modulate macropinocytic activity

14 shares

Feedback to editors