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Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
Optical Regulation of GABA Receptor by Visible Light via Azobenzene-Phenylpyrazole
Zhi Qiao1, Wen Fu1, Qiutang Huang2
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
Abstract:
Photopharmacology provides superior temporal and spatial resolution for the study of biological functions of γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABARs), and photopharmacology based on GABARs has significantly advanced the research of neurons and cells. Herein, we reported the azobenzene-phenylpyrazole (ABPs) for controlling the function of GABARs by light. The insecticidal activity of ABPs against Aedes albopictus larvae was different before and after light illumination. ABP3 (1 μM) could induce depolarization of dorsal unpaired median neurons and enable the real-time photoregulation of mosquito larval behavior. An electrophysiological experiment indicated that ABP3 had different inhibitory effects on GABARs before and after illumination. ABPs realized optical control of GABARs utilizing visible light, providing valuable supplements to the existing GABAR photocontrol tools.
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