Light-activation of the Archaerhodopsin H+-pump reverses age-dependent loss of vertebrate regeneration: sparking system-level controls in vivo

This study explores using light to control cell behavior, specifically to induce regeneration in tadpoles. The researchers used a light-activated proton pump called Archaerhodopsin (Arch) to manipulate the electrical properties of cells. By activating Arch with light, they were able to restore the ability to regenerate tails in tadpoles that had lost this ability due to age.

• 1
  Light activation of Archaerhodopsin (Arch) hyperpolarizes cells in vivo, rescuing Xenopus embryos from craniofacial and patterning abnormalities.
• 2
  Light stimulation of Arch for only 2 days after amputation restored regenerative capacity to inhibited tails.
• 3
  Hyperpolarization is required only during the first 48 hours post-injury, and expression in the spinal cord is not necessary for the effect to occur.