A photocontrolled molecular switch regulates paralysis in a living organism.
Using light to modulate biochemical agents in living organisms has a significant impact on photodynamic therapy and drug release. We demonstrate that a photoresponsive system can reversibly induce paralysis in nematodes as a model for living organisms when two different wavelengths of light are used to toggle the molecular switch between its two structural forms. This example illustrates how photoswitches offer great potential for advancing biomedical technologies.
Al-Atar
Usama
U
4D LABS, Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6.
Fernandes
Rylan
R
Johnsen
Bob
B
Baillie
David
D
Branda
Neil R
NR
D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000187:drug effects; D003500:Cyclization / Q000528:radiation effects; D005030:Ethylenes / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008027:Light; D023421:Models, Animal; D010243:Paralysis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods
D005030:Ethylenes; C036216:ethylene