The Department of Biophysics at the Medical School of the University of Pécs has launched a major three-year international research project aimed at developing blue-light photoreceptors optimized for optogenetic applications. Backed by a prestigious 400 million HUF international excellence grant, the project promises significant advances in medical and pharmacological technologies.
Optogenetics—a cutting-edge field at the crossroads of biology, neuroscience, and physics—uses light-sensitive proteins to precisely control biological processes with light. Its applications range from treating degenerative retinal diseases and chronic pain to cardiac rhythm regulation and deep brain stimulation.
The Pécs-led initiative focuses on the photophysics and photochemistry of blue-light-sensitive proteins. Researchers will use ultra-fast laser spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and time-resolved X-ray techniques to understand and engineer proteins that reliably respond to light and trigger biological functions.
The project includes an impressive international consortium, with partners from:
- University of East Anglia (UK)
- Stony Brook University (USA)
- Ecole Polytechnique (France)
- CEA IBS (France)
Experimental work will take place at leading European research facilities, including the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (Grenoble), the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and the European XFEL in Hamburg.
This collaborative effort marks a major step forward in developing next-generation optogenetic tools that could transform the treatment of various diseases through light-driven cellular control.
Source: University of Pécs
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