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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:05
Application of Automated Image-guided Patch Clamp for the Study of Neurons in Brain Slices
Published on: July 31, 2017
Optogenetics meets automated patch clamp
Reetta Penttinen1,2, Ariel Coli3, Florian Hintermaier1,4
1Nanion Technologies, Munich, Germany.
Iscience
|July 28, 2026
Summary
We characterized novel channelrhodopsins using automated patch-clamp and optical stimulation. This optogenetics approach advances neuroscience, cardiac research, and drug screening for cancer therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Optogenetics
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
Background:
- Channelrhodopsins enable contactless control of neural activity, advancing neuroscience and cardiac research.
- Automated patch-clamp (APC) is a key technology for high-throughput drug screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform the first biophysical characterization of Na+-selective channelrhodopsin NCR1 2.0 and the Na+/Ca2+-conductive variant XXM 2.0.
- To explore the synergy between optogenetics and APC for drug screening applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized automated patch-clamp (APC) combined with integrated optical stimulation.
- Biophysical characterization of channelrhodopsin variants.
Main Results:
- Successfully characterized NCR1 2.0 and XXM 2.0 channelrhodopsins.
- Demonstrated the potential of combining optogenetics with APC for advanced screening.
Conclusions:
- The characterized channelrhodopsins are relevant for Na+- and/or Ca2+-dependent signaling in cancer biology.
- Optogenetics and APC integration offers a transformative approach for drug discovery and biomedical innovation.
