Optogenetic toolkit for precise control of calcium signaling.

ABSTRACT: Calcium acts as a second messenger to regulate a myriad of cell functions, ranging from short-term muscle contraction and cell motility to long-term changes in gene expression and metabolism. To study the impact of Ca²⁺-modulated 'ON' and 'OFF' reactions in mammalian cells, pharmacological tools and 'caged' compounds are commonly used under various experimental conditions. The use of these reagents for precise control of Ca²⁺ signals, nonetheless, is impeded by lack of reversibility and specificity. The recently developed optogenetic tools, particularly those built upon engineered Ca²⁺ release-activated Ca²⁺ (CRAC) channels, provide exciting opportunities to remotely and non-invasively modulate Ca²⁺ signaling due to their superior spat

SUBMITTER: Ma G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5457325 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature