optochemical biology
Nature controls biological processes, for example, signal transduction, protein function and gene expression, with exquisite spatial and temporal precision. This is particularly visible during embryo development (see the first 48 hours of zebrafish development in the movie on the right). In order to study and understand these processes, an equally precise control element is required. Light is an excellent tool for this purpose, as it can be precisely regulated in timing, location, wavelength, and amplitude, thereby enabling high-resolution optical control of biological processes. The developments of optogenetic tool sets are revolutionizing many aspects of science, most importantly neurobiology. We are developing related optochemical tools that are based on our ability to combine synthetic chemistry with molecular, cell, and animal biology.
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