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G-Protein Gated Ion Channels

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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.
Sensory...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Light-mediated Reversible Modulation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway during Cell Differentiation and Xenopus Embryonic Development

Light-mediated Reversible Modulation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway during Cell Differentiation and Xenopus Embryonic Development

Published on: June 15, 2017

Controlling Engineered P2X Receptors with Light.

Benjamin N Atkinson^1,2,3, Vijay Chudasama¹, Liam E Browne^4,5

¹Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, UK.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)

|October 25, 2019

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a method to control ATP-gated P2X receptor channels using light. This technique allows for precise, reversible light-based activation and deactivation of these crucial cellular channels.

Keywords:

ATP Azobenzene Ion channel Optochemicals P2X Photoswitchable Synthetic optogenetics

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Last Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Light-mediated Reversible Modulation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway during Cell Differentiation and Xenopus Embryonic Development

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Published on: June 15, 2017

Reliably Engineering and Controlling Stable Optogenetic Gene Circuits in Mammalian Cells

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Published on: July 6, 2021

Spatiotemporal Control of Protein Activity through Optogenetic Allosteric Regulation

Spatiotemporal Control of Protein Activity through Optogenetic Allosteric Regulation

Published on: October 4, 2024

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Neuroscience
Biochemistry

Background:

ATP-gated P2X receptors play vital roles in cellular signaling and physiological processes.
Controlling P2X receptor activity with high precision is essential for understanding their function.
Existing methods for modulating P2X receptor activity lack spatiotemporal control.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel method for light-inducible control of P2X receptor channels.
To engineer P2X receptors that can be rapidly and reversibly modulated by light.
To enable precise investigation of P2X receptor function in biological systems.

Main Methods:

Expression of mutant P2X receptors in cells.
Covalent modification of engineered P2X receptors using a photoswitchable tool compound.
Utilizing different wavelengths of light to activate and deactivate modified P2X receptors.
Further mutation of light-activated P2X receptors to achieve ATP-insensitivity.

Main Results:

Successfully demonstrated light-controlled modification of homomeric P2X2, P2X3, and heteromeric P2X2/3 receptors.
Engineered P2X receptors exhibited rapid and reversible responses to specific light wavelengths.
Developed a method to impart ATP-insensitivity to light-activated P2X receptors.
Achieved high spatiotemporal precision in controlling P2X receptor activity.

Conclusions:

The developed method provides a powerful tool for precise optogenetic control of P2X receptor channels.
This approach facilitates detailed studies into the physiological and pathophysiological roles of specific P2X receptors.
Light-activated P2X receptors offer a versatile platform for investigating cellular signaling pathways.