Platform on Molecular Optogenetics

OptoBase is an annotated database, which aims to cover all existing non-opsin-based optogenetic switches and publications. It is meant for both expert optogeneticists, to easily keep track of the field, as well as for all researchers who find optogenetics inviting as a powerful tool to address their biological questions of interest.

Cite as: K. Kolar et al.: OptoBase: A Web Platform for Molecular Optogenetics. ACS Synth. Biol. 2018, DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00120

News & Updates (see all entries)

April 04, 2025 | Research Highlights in March

Paper of the Month February: Large-scale control over collective cell migration using light-activated epidermal growth factor receptors.

Featured Paper: Light-induced programmable solid–liquid phase transition of biomolecular condensates for improved biosynthesis.

March 04, 2025 | Research Highlights in February

Paper of the Month February: Optogenetically Activatable MLKL as a Standalone Functional Module for Necroptosis and Therapeutic Applications in Antitumoral Immunity.

Featured Paper: Protein design accelerates the development and application of optogenetic tools.

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Optogenetic Switches

(see the extended overview of the switches)

Generally applicable With a predefined function

Click on a switch for additional information.

Fluorescent proteins

PhoCl

BLUF domains

PixD/PixE

LOV domains

AsLOV2 LOVTRAP iLID TULIP AtLOV2 BcLOV4 CrLOV1

EL222 FKF1/GI NcWC1-LOV RsLOV VfAU1-LOV VVD Magnets

YtvA PtAU1-LOV cpLOV2 cpLOVTRAP cpLID PAL

Phytochromes

BphP1/PpsR2 BphP1/Q-PAS1

UV Violet Blue Cyan Green Yellow Red Far Red

300 nm 400 nm 500 nm 600 nm 700 nm

UV receptors

UVR8/COP1 UVR8/UVR8

Cryptochromes

CRY2/CIB1 CRY2/CRY2 CRY2clust CRY2olig CRY2high CRY2low

Fluorescent proteins

PYP

Fluorescent proteins

Dronpa145K/N Dronpa145N pdDronpa1

Cobalamin-binding domains

MxCBD TtCBD

Phytochromes

BICYCL-Green

Phytochromes

Cph1 DrBphP nanoReD MagRed PnBphP FnBphP PaaC PagC PhyA/FHY1 & PhyA/FHL PhyB/PIF3 & PhyB/PIF6 BICYCL-Red iLight