Optogenetics Comes of Age: Novel Inhibitory Light-Gated Anionic Channels Allow Efficient Silencing of Neural Function

• Published in: Chembiochem : a European journal of chemical biology 2016-02, Vol.17 (3), p.204-206
• Main Authors: Peralvárez-Marín, Alex, Garriga, Pere
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioquímica; Brain - metabolism; Brain function; Cellular signal transduction; Enginyeria química; Humans; Ion Channels - metabolism; Light; Light-activated ion channels; Neurobiologia; Neurobiology; Optogenetics; Química orgànica; Rhodopsins; Rhodopsins, Microbial - metabolism; Signal Transduction; Transducció de senyal cel·lular; Àrees temàtiques de la UPC
• ISSN: 1439-4227; 1439-7633
• DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201500608

Optogenetics, the developing field of research that uses light‐switchable biochemical tools in a sophisticated technological approach to monitor or control neural function, is rapidly evolving with the discovery and development of novel microbial rhodopsins. Light‐absorbing membrane proteins, as tools for brain research, are promoting new applications within the discipline of optogenetics. Light‐gated rhodopsin ion channels with better intrinsic light sensitivity and improved resolution are needed to overcome some of the current limitations of existing molecules. The recent discovery of light‐gated inhibitory anion channels opens new opportunities for studying physiological neural processes and, at the same time, represent a powerful approach for elucidating the mechanisms of neurological and mental disorders that could benefit from this approach. Silence is purple: Recently discovered naturally occurring rhodopsins that function as light‐gated inhibitory anion channels expand the current optogenetics toolbox and represent new opportunities for studying physiological neural processes and the mechanisms of neurological and mental disorders.