infocus #59 September 2020 Optogenetic Control of Biological Forces

DOI: 10.22443/rms.inf.1.192

In this primer, we aim to summarise how this new methodology is being especially useful for the study of those processes in which mechanical forces are involved. For the first time, we can test and direct the assembly of cytoskeletal components with high spatial and temporal resolution, which enables controlled production of forces at different scales. Many new promising applications arise, such as the control of tissue morphogenesis.