InLOV: Optogenetics for light-controlled insulin signaling modulates neuronal plasticity and cerebellar-driven behavior

We developed an optogenetic tool InLOV that allows for specific activation of the insulin receptor signaling pathway. Light-activation of InLOV drives insulin induced neuronal plasticity in the mouse cerebellum and improves cerebellar driven self-motion behavior. Thus, InLOV opens the opportunity to modulate the insulin signaling pathway by optogenetic stimulation throughout the whole body and to develop new therapeutic strategies for pathologic insulin signaling.