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, which are difficult to engineer without disrupting channel function. Scanning numerous sequence databases, we identified three 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 closely related Nutomonas longa homolog generates inward cation currents in mammalian cells under physiological conditions, significantly exceeding those by previously known tools with similar spectral maxima (peak absorption at ~440

SUBMITTER: Govorunova EG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12448745 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature