Photoactivated adenylyl cyclases as optogenetic modulators of neuronal activity.
In recent years, optogenetic methods became invaluable tools, particularly in neurobiological research. Most prominently, optogenetic methods utilize microbial rhodopsins to elicit neuronal de- or hyperpolarization. However, other optogenetic tools have emerged that allow influencing neuronal function by different approaches. In this chapter we describe the use of photoactivated adenylyl cyclases (PACs) as modulators of neuronal activity. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism, this chapter shows how to measure the effect of PAC photoactivation by behavioral and electrophysiological assays, as well as their significance to neurobiology.
Institute of Biochemistry and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 15; room 1.652, D-60438, Frankfurt, Germany.
Wagner Steuer
WS
Costa
Jana
J
Liewald
Alexander
A
Gottschalk
D000262:Adenylyl Cyclases / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000528:radiation effects; D008027:Light; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D062308:Optogenetics; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015398:Signal Transduction
D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D000262:Adenylyl Cyclases