Perspective abstract
Nature Chemical Biology 1, 360 - 365 (2005)
Published online: 16 November 2005 | doi:10.1038/nchembio750
Photochemical tools for remote control of ion channels in excitable cells
Richard H Kramer1, James J Chambers1 & Dirk Trauner2
Abstract
Various strategies have been developed recently for imparting light sensitivity onto normally insensitive cells. These include expression of natural photosensitive proteins, photolysis of caged agonists of native cell surface receptors and photoswitching of isomerizable tethered ligands that act on specially engineered ion channels and receptor targets. The development of chemical tools for optically stimulating or inhibiting signaling proteins has particular relevance for the nervous system, where precise, noninvasive control is an experimental and medical necessity.
- Richard H. Kramer and James J. Chambers are in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, 142 Life Sciences Addition, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA, e-mail: rhkramer@berkeley.edu
- Dirk Trauner is in the Department of Chemistry, 602 Latimer Hall, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.
NEWS AND VIEWS
Ultrahigh-speed photochemical stimulation of neuronsNature Methods News and Views (01 Nov 2005)
Crafting new cagesNature Methods News and Views (01 Jan 2006)
RESEARCH
Light-activated ion channels for remote control of neuronal firingNature Neuroscience Technical Report (01 Dec 2004)
Photochemical control of endogenous ion channels and cellular excitabilityNature Methods Article (01 Apr 2008)
See all 5 matches for Research
