| abstract |
The invention provides methods and compositions for real-time monitoring cellular calcium ion dynamics by red-shifted genetically encoded indicators under optogenetic control, in which millisecond-timescale of temporal control of optical activation or inactivation and signal recording can be achieved. In particular, the invention provides artifact-free functional imaging in conjunction with optogenetic tools for studying cellular physiology, signal transduction and neuronal activity. Thus, the invention provides all-optical and non-invasive approaches for drug screening, toxicity testing and assessment of cell functions. |