Photoswitching endogenous glutamate receptors in neural ensembles and single synapses in vivo.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To interrogate animal physiology in vivo, there is a lack of non-genetic methods to control the activity of endogenous proteins with pharmacological and spatiotemporal precision. To address this need, we recently developed targeted covalent photoswitchable (TCP) compounds that enable the remote control of endogenous glutamate receptors (GluRs) using light.

Methods

We combine the photopharmacological effector TCP9 with neuronal activity sensors to demonstrate all-optical reversible control of endogenous GluRs across multiple spatiotemporal scales in rat brain tissue ex vivo and in Xenopus tadpole brains in vivo.

Findings

TCP9 allows photoactivation of neuronal ensembles, individual neurons, and single synapses in ex vivo tissue and in intact brain in vivo, whic

SUBMITTER: Garrido-Charles A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12643953 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature