The system components include a tetracycline inducible promoter, V5 iLID SsrA CaaX, internal ribosome entry site, and phospholipase C gamma one Halo SspBu. Doxycycline and blue light activate the system. A cell containing the OptoPLC phospholipase C gamma one system. The cell adhesion with receptors, plasma membrane, CaaX, iLID, SsrA, and phospholipase C gamma one. The cell migration with receptors, plasma membrane, CaaX, iLID, SsrA, phospholipase C gamma one, and production of diacylglycerol and inositol trisphosphate. Arrows indicate component interactions and signaling flow.
Optogenetic control of PLC-γ1 directs localized lipid signaling and cell migration. An optogenetic system (OptoPLC-γ1) enables light-controlled recruitment of PLC-γ1 to the plasma membrane. In the dark, PLC-γ1 remains cytosolic and autoinhibited and cells maintain a non-polarized, adhesive state with stable focal adhesions. Blue light induces the membrane localization of PLC-γ1, triggering local hydrolysis of the PIP2 pool and production of DAG and IP3. This spatially confined lipid remodeling promotes downstream signaling governing cell motility and Arp2/3-dependent actin dynamics, leading to protrusion at the illuminated edge and reduced adhesion at the rear. The balance shifts from stable adhesion to polarized migration, and graded stimulation drives persistent, directional cell movement. BioRender generated this figure.