Blue-shifted ancyromonad channelrhodopsins for multiplex optogenetics.

ABSTRACT: Light-gated ion channels from protists (channelrhodopsins or ChRs) are optogenetic tools widely used for controlling neurons and cardiomyocytes. Multiplex optogenetic applications require spectrally separated molecules that must be found in nature, as they are difficult to engineer without disrupting channel function. Scanning numerous sequence databases, we identified three robust naturally blue-shifted ChRs from ancyromonads. They form a separate branch on the phylogenetic tree and contain residue motifs characteristic of anion ChRs (ACRs). However, only two conduct chloride, whereas the close Nutomonas longa homolog (peak absorption at ~440 nm) generates inward cation currents in mammalian cells under physiological conditions, significantly exceeding those by previously known too

SUBMITTER: Govorunova EG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11888301 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature