From observing to controlling: Inducible control of organelle dynamics and interactions

The dynamics and interactions of cellular organelles underlie many aspects of cellular functioning. Until recently, assessment of organelle dynamics has been primarily observational or required whole-cell perturbations to assess the implications of altered organelle motility and positioning. However, thanks to recently developed and optimized intervention strategies, we now have the ability to control organelles in their unperturbed state, altering organelle positioning, membrane trafficking pathways, as well as organelle interactions. This can be performed both globally and locally, giving fine control over the range, reversibility, and extent of organelle dynamics. Here, we describe how these tools are currently used for controlling organelles and give insight into the exciting future of this emerging field.