Defining the ionic mechanisms of optogenetic control of vascular tone by channelrhodopsin-2.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Optogenetic control of electromechanical coupling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is emerging as a powerful research tool with potential applications in drug discovery and therapeutics. However, the precise ionic mechanisms involved in this control remain unclear.

Experimental approach

Cell imaging, patch-clamp electrophysiology and muscle tension recordings were used to define these mechanisms over a wide range of light stimulations.

Key results

Transgenic mice expressing a channelrhodopsin-2 variant [ChR2(H134R)] selectively in VSMCs were generated. Isolated VSMCs obtained from these mice demonstrated blue light-induced depolarizing whole-cell currents. Fine control of artery tone was attained by varying the intensity of the light stim

SUBMITTER: Rorsman NJG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5979753 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature