Closed-loop optogenetic control of cell biology enables outcome-driven microscopy.

Passmore, Josiah B; Rates, Alfredo; Schröder, Jakob; van Laarhoven, Menno T P; Hellebrekers, Vincent J W; van Hoef, Henrik G; Geurts, Antonius J M; van Straaten, Wendy et al. · Nat Commun · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Smart microscopy is transforming biological imaging by integrating real-time analysis with adaptive acquisition to enhance imaging efficiency. Whereas many emerging implementations are event-driven and focus on on-demand data acquisition to reduce phototoxicity, we here present 'outcome-driven' microscopy, a framework combining smart microscopy with optogenetics to control cell biological processes and achieve predefined outcomes. We validate this approach using light-based control of cell migration and nucleocytoplasmic transport, demonstrating robust spatiotemporal control of cellular behaviour in single cells and in cell populations.

Medical subject headings