Synthetic Light-Activated Ion Channels for Optogenetic Activation and Inhibition.

ABSTRACT: Optogenetic manipulation of cells or living organisms became widely used in neuroscience following the introduction of the light-gated ion channel channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2). ChR2 is a non-selective cation channel, ideally suited to depolarize and evoke action potentials in neurons. However, its calcium (Ca²⁺) permeability and single channel conductance are low and for some applications longer-lasting increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ might be desirable. Moreover, there is need for an efficient light-gated potassium (K⁺) channel that can rapidly inhibit spiking in targeted neurons. Considering the importance of Ca²⁺ and K⁺ in cell physiology, light-activated Ca²⁺-permeant and K⁺-specific channels would be welcome add

SUBMITTER: Beck S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6176052 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature