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Once a ligand binds to a receptor, the signal is transmitted through the membrane and into the cytoplasm. The continuation of a signal in this manner is called signal transduction. Signal transduction only occurs with cell-surface receptors, which cannot interact with most components of the cell, such as DNA. Only internal receptors can interact directly with DNA in the nucleus to initiate protein synthesis. When a ligand binds to its receptor, conformational changes occur that affect the...
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GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision.  The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
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Mapping the Cellular Distribution of an Optogenetic Protein Using a Light-Stimulation Grid
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How to control cyclic nucleotide signaling by light.

Vera Jansen1, Jan F Jikeli1, Dagmar Wachten2

  • 1Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), Minerva Max Planck Research Group, Molecular Physiology, Bonn, Germany.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|March 14, 2017
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Optogenetics uses light to precisely control cellular functions and signaling pathways. This technology now enables light-dependent regulation of cyclic nucleotide signaling both in lab experiments and living organisms.

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Optogenetics enables precise, non-invasive control of cellular functions using light and genetic engineering.
  • The field has expanded beyond neuronal control to encompass diverse cellular processes.
  • Light-dependent control of second messenger signaling is a key emerging application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the expanding capabilities of optogenetics in controlling cellular functions.
  • To emphasize the application of optogenetics in modulating second messenger signaling pathways.
  • To showcase the ability to control cyclic nucleotide signaling using light in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing genetically encoded light-sensitive proteins.
  • Applying optogenetic tools to manipulate protein function with light.
  • Investigating cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways in biological systems.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated spatio-temporal precision in cellular function manipulation.
  • Expanded optogenetic control to various cellular functions beyond neuronal activity.
  • Established light-dependent control of cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Optogenetics is a versatile tool for precise cellular control.
  • The optogenetic toolkit now effectively regulates second messenger signaling.
  • Light-inducible control of cyclic nucleotide signaling is achievable in vitro and in vivo.