Optogenetic Tools for Controlling Biological Circuits

Friday, February 27, 2015

4:00 PM-5:30 PM

Brian Y. Chow, PhD, assistant professor in the department of bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, will discuss how optogenetic methods enable optical control over biological circuits via the heterologous expression of photoreceptor proteins, which sensitize genetically targeted cells to photo-inducible physiological changes. This modular molecular toolbox is extremely rich, including reagents that enable light-activated bi-directional perturbation of neural excitability and complex control over intracellular signaling cascades. This talk will focus on the discovery and engineering of these molecular machines, and their potential clinical applications as a next-generation of therapeutic devices, particularly in vision restoration. For more info, please visit www.biomed.drexel.edu.

Contact Information

Ken Barbee
215-895-1335
barbee@drexel.edu