“Optogenetics is a groundbreaking technique for studying cells and, in particular, neural circuits”, explains Gabriel Monteiro, a professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, and a researcher at the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), regarding the work of Peter Hegemann, Georg Nagel, and Karl Deisseroth, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026.

Developed by the work of these three researchers, this method allows for the examination of cellular activity, particularly within neural circuits, through the use of light. Gabriel Monteiro notes that this technique provides the capacity to “activate or inhibit specific neural circuits” with remarkable temporal resolution.

Gabriel Monteiro answers some questions about the work awarded this year by the Karolinska Institute.

How would you explain the importance of the award-winning work? How does it justify the Nobel Prize?

Gabriel Monteiro (GM) – Optogenetics is a powerful technique for studying cells and, in particular, neural circuits. Through genetic engineering, it is possible to introduce non-animal proteins, such as microbial opsins, into animal cells. These proteins, found in cell membranes, are sensitive to specific wavelengths of light, such as blue or yellow, and manage the flow of certain ions, including Na+, Cl-, or H+, thereby altering the electrical properties of the cells.

In this way, it is possible to activate or inhibit specific neural circuits, for example, those involved in a particular function or behaviour controlled by the brain. Unlike other techniques that rely on drugs to study the brain, optogenetics allows for responses within milliseconds and with high specificity in target cells.

What scientific advances have resulted from the work of these researchers? What benefits could they bring in the future?

GM – Optogenetics’ contribution to advancing our understanding of neurobiology will allow us to better understand the neural circuits responsible for many genetic and degenerative neurological diseases and, consequently, to develop therapeutic approaches using various drugs, biomolecules, and cells.

While optogenetics has primarily been used in animal models, its applications are expanding to humans, particularly in clinical trials focused on gene therapy for restoring vision in individuals suffering from blindness.

How does your work relate to that of the laureates?

GM – At iBB, we are developing different types of potential treatments, concentrating both on production processes and the creation of specific molecules or cells. My research focuses on designing and producing DNA and RNA molecules for use as biopharmaceuticals in vaccines and gene therapy.