Optical modulation of neurotransmission using calcium photocurrents through the ion channel LiGluR

Izquierdo-Serra, Merce; Trauner, Dirk; Llobet, Artur und Gorostiza, Pau (2013): Optical modulation of neurotransmission using calcium photocurrents through the ion channel LiGluR. In: Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, Vol. 6, 3

Abstract

A wide range of light-activated molecules (photoswitches and phototriggers) have been used to the study of computational properties of an isolated neuron by acting pre and postsynaptically. However, new tools are being pursued to elicit a presynaptic calcium influx that triggers the release of neurotransmitters, most of them based in calcium-permeable Channelrhodopsin-2 mutants. Here we describe a method to control exocytosis of synaptic vesicles through the use of a light-gated glutamate receptor (LiGluR), which has recently been demonstrated that supports secretion by means of calcium influx in chromaffin cells. Expression of LiGluR in hippocampal neurons enables reversible control of neurotransmission with light, and allows modulating the firing rate of the postsynaptic neuron with the wavelength of illumination. This method may be useful for the determination of the complex transfer function of individual synapses.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Keywords: optical control; calcium; firing rate; neurotransmission; optogenetics; synaptic transfer function; neural coding
• Faculties: Chemistry and Pharmacy > Department of Chemistry
• Subjects: 500 Science > 540 Chemistry
• ISSN: 1662-5099
• Place of Publication: PO BOX 110, LAUSANNE, 1015, SWITZERLAND
• Language: English