Manipulating Living Systems by Light; 生命現象の光操作技術の創出;

摘要： Complex gene networks are essential for diverse biological phenomena, such as cellular programming, metabolism, homeostasis, memory formation, and circadian rhythm. To understand these biological phenomena, including diseases, and to utilize or modify them, approaches that enable optical control of the genome are required. We developed new tools for targeted gene manipulation based on optical control of the CRISPR-Cas9 system and Cre-loxP system. These tools could greatly facilitate understanding of a variety of gene functions and prove useful in biomedical applications. Genome engineering technology and optogenetics technology have emerged as different technologies from each other so far. Our studies merge these emerging research fields together.