Optogenetic Regulation of Mitochondrial Function to Modulate Cell Death

Cell death is a critical process involved in physiological and pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This study explores the use of optogenetic techniques to induce cell death by employing light sensitive proteins. By manipulating mitochondrial function with light-sensitive proteins, we investigated three distinct strategies: 1) inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation through Gloeobacter rhodopsin-mediated alkalization, 2) inducing mitochondrial depolarization with reverse proton-pumping rhodopsins (RPPR) and anion-conducting channelrhodopsins, and 3) generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) using mitochondria-targeted miniSOG. Our findings highlight the potential of optogenetic approaches to induce cell death, offering promising avenues for therapeutic interventions in diseases characterized by aberrant cell survival.