Design and Use of AsLOV2-Based Optogenetic Tools for Actin Imaging

Overview

Journal Methods Mol Biol

Specialty Molecular Biology

Date 2024 Dec 26

PMID 39724346

Authors

Kourtney L Kroll

Tobin R Sosnick

Ronald S Rock

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

We present protocols for using an optogenetic tool called LILAC for actin imaging. LILAC is a light-controlled version of Lifeact that uses the Avena sativa LOV2 (AsLOV2) domain. By significantly reducing Lifeact's affinity for the cytoskeleton in the dark, LILAC reduces concentration-dependent negative side effects while enabling new image processing methods. We discuss the considerations for using this probe of live-cell actin dynamics, including fluorescent protein selection, cell maintenance, microscopy protocols, and image processing. Our work highlights the potential of AsLOV2-based optogenetics for novel imaging and control tools in cell biology.

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