Language
English
Publication Date
11-3-2025
Journal
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
DOI
10.1101/cshperspect.a041760
PMID
41184130
PMCID
PMC13102357
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
4-23-2026
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Abstract
Calcium ions (Ca2+) are essential second messengers intimately implicated in a variety of biological processes, ranging from short-term events such as muscle contraction to long-term effects like gene expression. Dysregulated Ca2+ signaling can disrupt cellular function and contribute to the development of various human diseases, including developmental, neurological, immunoinflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders. To study the mechanisms and biological consequences of Ca2+ signaling, optogenetic approaches have proven invaluable, as they offer exceptional spatiotemporal resolution compared to traditional methods. Recent progress in non-opsin-based optogenetics, particularly those engineered from Ca2+ release–activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, has substantially advanced our understanding of Ca2+ signaling mechanisms. These tools have enabled precise manipulation of downstream signaling events, opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions. In this review, we examine the principles behind the design and engineering of light-sensitive calcium actuators and modulators (designated LiCAMs) and the applications of representative LiCAMs in remote and noninvasive control of Ca2+-modulated physiological processes both in vitro and in vivo.
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Nonomura, Tatsuki; Liu, Xiaoxuan; Chiu, Megan; et al., "Developing Optogenetic Approaches to Study Ca2+ Signaling Processes" (2025). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 6556.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/6556