Cells exchange information with one another using secreted chemicals as data carriers. We developed an all-optogenetic synaptic transmission system that replaced a chemical neurotransmitter with emitted photons. This system enabled synthetic signaling between unconnected neurons and the generation of prosthetic synaptic circuits.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals
Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription
$29.99 / 30 days
cancel any time
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 print issues and online access
$209.00 per year
only $17.42 per issue
Rent or buy this article
Get just this article for as long as you need it
$39.95
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
References
Emiliani, V. et al. Optogenetics for light control of biological systems. Nat. Rev. Methods Prim. 2, 55 (2022). A review about optogenetics.
Corsi, A. K., Wightman, B. & Chalfie, M. A transparent window into biology: a primer on Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 200, 387–407 (2015). A review concerning C. elegans as a model organism for neuroscience.
Morales-Curiel, L. F. et al. Volumetric imaging of fast cellular dynamics with deep learning enhanced bioluminescence microscopy. Commun. Biol. 5, 1330 (2022). A research paper about bioluminescence microscopy.
Prakash, M. et al. Selective control of synaptically-connected circuit elements by all-optical synapses. Commun. Biol. 5, 33 (2022). A research paper about optical synapses in mice.
Mitiouchkina, T. et al. Plants with genetically encoded autoluminescence. Nat. Biotechnol. 38, 944–946 (2020). A research paper about reconstitution of autoluminescent enzymes.
Nagai, T. & Hattori, M. Tiny but bright. Nat. Chem. Biol. 6, 522–523 (2022). A review about luciferases.
Additional information
Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
This is a summary of: Porta-de-la-Riva, M. et al. Neural engineering with photons as synaptic transmitters. Nat. Methods https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-023-01836-9 (2023).
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Photon-based communication between two neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nat Methods 20, 653–654 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-023-01837-8
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-023-01837-8
