"Optogenetic activation of skeletal muscle, mediated by channelrhodopsin-2, results in rapid contraction and force generation, yet its physiological relevance is unclear. In this study, we found that an optogenetic tool commonly used for cell activation (ChR2-EYFP), when expressed in skeletal muscle in mice, led to significant impairments in muscle function and structure. This study details the development and validation of a new optogenetic strain for skeletal muscle activation in vivo that is more physiologically relevant and does not lead to impaired muscle function."
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Megan L. Killian, Ph.D. (Associate Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan) and Dr. Adam Abraham, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery, University) with members of their labs and Dr. Syeda N. Lamia, Ph.D. (Recent Graduate of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan)