Tunable optogenetic system elucidates the role of beta-catenin signaling dynamics on neural stem cell differentiation

In the webinar, we will demonstrate how temporal dynamics modulation in signaling presentation can exert a strong impact on stem cell behavior, offering further insights into the biology of adult neurogenesis. As a model for niche signaling dynamics on NSC function, we developed a tunable optogenetic system to modulate β-catenin signaling via Cry2 oligomerization of the LRP6 intracellular domain. Similar to Wnt3a addition, illumination of NSCs expressing Cry2-LRP6c induced neuronal differentiation.