A light-gated, potassium-selective glutamate receptor for the optical inhibition of neuronal firing

Harald Janovjak, Stephanie Szobota, Claire Wyart, Dirk Trauner, Ehud Y. Isacoff

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

119 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Genetically targeted light-activated ion channels and pumps make it possible to determine the role of specific neurons in neuronal circuits, information processing and behavior. We developed a K +-selective ionotropic glutamate receptor that reversibly inhibits neuronal activity in response to light in dissociated neurons and brain slice and also reversibly suppresses behavior in zebrafish. The receptor is a chimera of the pore region of a K +-selective bacterial glutamate receptor and the ligand-binding domain of a light-gated mammalian kainate receptor. This hyperpolarizing light-gated channel, HyLighter, is turned on by a brief light pulse at one wavelength and turned off by a pulse at a second wavelength. The control is obtained at moderate intensity. After optical activation, the photocurrent and optical silencing of activity persists in the dark for extended periods. The low light requirement and bi-stability of HyLighter represent advantages for the dissection of neural circuitry.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1027-1032
Number of pages6
JournalNATURE NEUROSCIENCE
Volume13
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2010
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A light-gated, potassium-selective glutamate receptor for the optical inhibition of neuronal firing'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this