Proteins consist of specific subunits, but their function is difficult to study and control. Optogenetics is a field of research in which behavior of proteins and cells are controlled with light. It is based on light-sensing proteins, photoreceptors that are re-engineered as optogenetic tools. These tools sense the light but respond to it in novel ways. In the proposed project, Dr. Heikki Takala plans to study a special group of red light-sensing photoreceptors, bacterial phytochromes. Bacterial phytochromes have several advantages over other photoreceptors in optogenetics, and here they will be used to generate improved tools for research and medicine. These include a CRISPR-Cas9 tool for gene editing that can be controlled with red light. Dr. Takala, has previously revealed how the structure of phytochromes changes under red light illumination. Here, he will utilize this expertise for deeper understanding of phytochromes and new ways to apply them in the University of Jyväskylä.

2020

2025