# Uncovering new approaches to manipulate and probe biochemical processes with spatial and temporal precision.

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2022 · $430,372

## Abstract

While advances in imaging technologies are enabling scientists to observe cellular phenomena and
protein complexes in increasingly greater detail, our ability to perturb and manipulate cells with
equally fine precision have lagged. To better understand the dynamic cellular environment, tools that
can selectively perturb biological processes, in real-time, with fast, reversible, tunable, and spatially-
selective control are required. A major step forward in this area has come from the field of cellular
optogenetics, wherein photosensory proteins are engineered to control various cellular processes with
light. Because light can be delivered with fast temporal and subcellular spatial precision, such tools
allow unprecedented biological control. In prior work, we developed novel optogenetic tools based on
the plant photoreceptor cryptochrome 2 (CRY2), which can be used to precisely manipulate protein
interactions, localization, and activity. While these tools have been successful at regulating protein
function, improvements and new strategies for optogenetic regulation are needed. In the proposed
work, we will usher in a new wave of optogenetic engineering, improving upon existing strategies,
extending optogenetic tools into new areas, developing new photoreceptor modules, and testing novel
engineering designs to regulate protein function with light. The long term goals of the project are to
enable a set of modular precision tools for probing and manipulating biochemical processes with fast
temporal control and over spatial scales ranging from subcellular to organismal.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10425239
- **Project number:** 5R35GM136367-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Chandra L Tucker
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $430,372
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-04-01 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10425239

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10425239, Uncovering new approaches to manipulate and probe biochemical processes with spatial and temporal precision. (5R35GM136367-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10425239. Licensed CC0.

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