Download Title: “Optogenetics” Chair: Thomas Nevian, University of Bern

Title: “Optogenetics”
Chair: Thomas Nevian, University of Bern
Optogenetics comprises techniques for the genetic manipulation of cells to express
light-sensitive proteins. Optogenetics is a rapidly growing field in neurobiology and it
holds many promises in basic neuroscience research as well as future clinical
applications. Genetically encoded light-activatable proteins allow the electrical or
biochemical control of neuronal function with light. Especially channelrhodopsin, a
light-activated ion channel can be used to activate a defined population of neurons
with light, which has many advantages over conventional electrical stimulation
methods. In this workshop, three distinct speakers will present different aspects of
optogenetic approaches. Georg Nagel, who is one of the scientists that discovered
channelrhodopsin will talk about recent advances in the field of optogenetics.
Thomas Oertner will show how optogenetic approaches can be used to study
synaptic plasticity, while Botond Roska will give insight into how this technique might
be clinically relevant in the visual system.
Lectures:
1. Introduction
Thomas Nevian, University of Bern
2. Characterization and application of microbial photoreceptors
Georg Nagel, University of Würzburg
3. Long-term depression: Adjusting synaptic strength or changing network
connectivity?
Thomas Oerter, Friedrich Miescher Institute, Basel
4. Cell types, circuits and repair
Botond Roska, Friedrich Miescher Institute, Basel