title: Optogenetics Comes of Age: Novel Inhibitory Light-Gated Anionic Channels Allow Efficient Silencing of Neural Function.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Unitat de Biofísica, Departament de Bioquímica i de Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Centre d'Estudis en Biofísica, and, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Peralvárez-Marín
authors.affiliation: Grup de Biotecnologia Molecular i Industrial, Centre de Biotecnologia Molecular, Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Edifici Gaia, Rambla de Sant Nebridi 22, 08222, Terrassa, Spain. pere.garriga@upc.edu.
authors.forename: Pere
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Garriga
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D008027:Light; D062308:Optogenetics; D025604:Rhodopsins, Microbial / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D007473:Ion Channels; D025604:Rhodopsins, Microbial
keywords: brain function; light-activated ion channels; rhodopsins; signal transduction