Optical silencing of C. elegans cells with arch proton pump.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Optogenetic techniques using light-driven ion channels or ion pumps for controlling excitable cells have greatly facilitated the investigation of nervous systems in vivo. A model organism, C. elegans, with its small transparent body and well-characterized neural circuits, is especially suitable for optogenetic analyses.

Methodology/principal findings

We describe the application of archaerhodopsin-3 (Arch), a recently reported optical neuronal silencer, to C. elegans. Arch::GFP expressed either in all neurons or body wall muscles of the entire body by means of transgenes were localized, at least partially, to the cell membrane without adverse effects, and caused locomotory paralysis of worms when illuminated by green light (550 nm). Pan-neuronal expression of Arch

SUBMITTER: Okazaki A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3357435 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature