Optogenetic Control of Muscles: Potential Uses and Limitations

Optogenetics is a technique where a cell is transduced with a light-sensitive ion channel. This technique can be used to control muscle cell contraction in conjunction with commonly used viral vectors. However, this technique has not yet become widely applied. In this study, we discuss the mechanisms and techniques involved in opsin transfer to muscle tissue, the clinical applicability of these approaches, and the major limitations facing this technique.