Understanding and improving photo-control of ion channels in nociceptors with azobenzene photo-switches.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The photo-isomerizable local anaesthetic, quaternary ammonium-azobenzene-quaternary ammonium (QAQ), provides rapid, optical control over pain signalling without involving genetic modification. In darkness or in green light, trans-QAQ blocks voltage-gated K⁺ and Na⁺ channels and silences action potentials in pain-sensing neurons. Upon photo-isomerization to cis with near UV light, QAQ blockade is rapidly relieved, restoring neuronal activity. However, the molecular mechanism of cis and trans QAQ blockade is not known. Moreover, the absorption spectrum of QAQ requires UV light for photo-control, precluding use deep inside neural tissue.

Experimental approach

Electrophysiology and molecular modelling were used to characterize the bin

SUBMITTER: Mourot A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5980612 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature