In the vibrant field of optogenetics, optics and genetic targeting are combined to commandeer cellular functions, such as the neuronal action potential, by optically stimulating light-sensitive ion channels expressed in the cell membrane. One broadly applicable manifestation of this approach are covalently attached photochromic tethered ligands (PTLs) that allow activating ligand-gated ion channels with outstanding spatial and temporal resolution. Here, we describe all steps towards the successful development and application of PTL-gated ion channels in cell lines and primary cells. The basis for these experiments forms a combination of molecular modeling, genetic engineering, cell culture, and electrophysiology. The light-gated glutamate receptor (LiGluR), which consists of the PTL-functionalized GluK2 receptor, serves as a model. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
CITATION STYLE
Szobota, S., McKenzie, C., & Janovjak, H. (2013). Optical control of ligand-gated ion channels. Methods in Molecular Biology, 998, 417–435. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-351-0_32
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