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Szundi I, Kliger DS. Parallel photocycle kinetic model of anion channelrhodopsin GtACR1 function. Biophys J 2024; 123:1735-1750. [PMID: 38762755 PMCID: PMC11214052 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The light-gated anion channelrhodopsin GtACR1 is an important optogenetic tool for neuronal silencing. Its photochemistry, including its photointermediates, is poorly understood. The current mechanistic view presumes BR-like kinetics and assigns the open channel to a blue-absorbing L intermediate. Based on time-resolved absorption and electrophysiological data, we recently proposed a red-absorbing spectral form for the open channel state. Here, we report the results of a comprehensive kinetic analysis of the spectroscopic data combined with channel current information. The time evolutions of the spectral forms derived from the spectroscopic data are inconsistent with the single chain mechanism and are analyzed within the concept of parallel photocycles. The spectral forms partitioned into conductive and nonconductive parallel cycles are assigned to intermediate states. Rejecting reversible connections between conductive and nonconductive channel states leads to kinetic schemes with two independent conductive states corresponding to the fast- and slow-decaying current components. The conductive cycle is discussed in terms of a single cycle and two parallel cycles. The reaction mechanisms and reaction rates for the wild-type protein, the A75E, and the low-conductance D234N and S97E protein variants are derived. The parallel cycles of channelrhodopsin kinetics, its relation to BR photocycle, and the role of the M intermediate in channel closure are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istvan Szundi
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - David S Kliger
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California.
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2
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Szundi I, Kliger DS. The open channel state in anion channelrhodopsin GtACR1 is a red-absorbing intermediate. Biophys J 2024; 123:940-946. [PMID: 38462839 PMCID: PMC11052691 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Anion channelrhodopsin GtACR1 is a powerful optogenetic tool to inhibit nerve activity. Its kinetic mechanism was interpreted in terms of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle, and the L intermediate was assigned to the open channel state. Here, we report the results of the comparison between the time dependence of the channel currents and the time evolutions of the K-like and L-like spectral forms. Based on the results, we question the current view on GtACR1 kinetics and the assignment of the L intermediate to the open channel state. We report evidence for a red-absorbing intermediate being responsible for channel opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istvan Szundi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - David S Kliger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California.
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3
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Schleissner P, Szundi I, Chen E, Li H, Spudich JL, Kliger DS. Isospectral intermediates in the photochemical reaction cycle of anion channelrhodopsin GtACR1. Biophys J 2023; 122:4091-4103. [PMID: 37749886 PMCID: PMC10598346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The most effective tested optogenetic tools available for neuronal silencing are the light-gated anion channel proteins found in the cryptophyte alga Guillardia theta (GtACRs). Molecular mechanisms of GtACRs, including the photointermediates responsible for the open channel state, are of great interest for understanding their exceptional conductance. In this study, the photoreactions of GtACR1 and its D234N, A75E, and S97E mutants were investigated using multichannel time-resolved absorption spectroscopy. For each of the proteins, the analysis showed two early microsecond transitions between K-like and L-like forms and two late millisecond recovery steps. Spectral forms associated with potential molecular intermediates of the proteins were derived and their evolutions in time were analyzed. The results indicate the presence of isospectral intermediates in the photocycles and expand the range of potential intermediates responsible for the open channel state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Schleissner
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Istvan Szundi
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Eefei Chen
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Hai Li
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - John L Spudich
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - David S Kliger
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California.
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4
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Saita M, Pranga-Sellnau F, Resler T, Schlesinger R, Heberle J, Lorenz-Fonfria VA. Photoexcitation of the P4480 State Induces a Secondary Photocycle That Potentially Desensitizes Channelrhodopsin-2. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:9899-9903. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b03931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Saita
- Experimental Molecular Biophysics, Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Pranga-Sellnau
- Experimental Molecular Biophysics, Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tom Resler
- Experimental Molecular Biophysics, Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ramona Schlesinger
- Genetic Biophysics, Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Heberle
- Experimental Molecular Biophysics, Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor A. Lorenz-Fonfria
- Institute of Molecular Science, Universitat de València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat de València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
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5
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Kaufmann JCD, Krause BS, Grimm C, Ritter E, Hegemann P, Bartl FJ. Proton transfer reactions in the red light-activatable channelrhodopsin variant ReaChR and their relevance for its function. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:14205-14216. [PMID: 28659342 PMCID: PMC5572910 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.779629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light-gated ion channels widely used for activating selected cells in large cellular networks. ChR variants with a red-shifted absorption maximum, such as the modified Volvox carteri ChR1 red-activatable channelrhodopsin ("ReaChR," λmax = 527 nm), are of particular interest because longer wavelengths allow optical excitation of cells in deeper layers of organic tissue. In all ChRs investigated so far, proton transfer reactions and hydrogen bond changes are crucial for the formation of the ion-conducting pore and the selectivity for protons versus cations, such as Na+, K+, and Ca2+ (1). By using a combination of electrophysiological measurements and UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy, we characterized the proton transfer events in the photocycle of ReaChR and describe their relevance for its function. 1) The central gate residue Glu130 (Glu90 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr) ChR2) (i) undergoes a hydrogen bond change in D → K transition and (ii) deprotonates in K → M transition. Its negative charge in the open state is decisive for proton selectivity. 2) The counter-ion Asp293 (Asp253 in CrChR2) receives the retinal Schiff base proton during M-state formation. Starting from M, a photocycle branching occurs involving (i) a direct M → D transition and (ii) formation of late photointermediates N and O. 3) The DC pair residue Asp196 (Asp156 in CrChR2) deprotonates in N → O transition. Interestingly, the D196N mutation increases 15-syn-retinal at the expense of 15-anti, which is the predominant isomer in the wild type, and abolishes the peak current in electrophysiological measurements. This suggests that the peak current is formed by 15-anti species, whereas 15-syn species contribute only to the stationary current.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel C D Kaufmann
- From the Institut für medizinische Physik und Biophysik, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany,.
| | | | | | | | | | - Franz J Bartl
- From the Institut für medizinische Physik und Biophysik, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany,; Institut für Biologie, Biophysikalische Chemie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany.
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6
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Govorunova EG, Sineshchekov OA, Li H, Spudich JL. Microbial Rhodopsins: Diversity, Mechanisms, and Optogenetic Applications. Annu Rev Biochem 2017; 86:845-872. [PMID: 28301742 PMCID: PMC5747503 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-101910-144233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Microbial rhodopsins are a family of photoactive retinylidene proteins widespread throughout the microbial world. They are notable for their diversity of function, using variations of a shared seven-transmembrane helix design and similar photochemical reactions to carry out distinctly different light-driven energy and sensory transduction processes. Their study has contributed to our understanding of how evolution modifies protein scaffolds to create new protein chemistry, and their use as tools to control membrane potential with light is fundamental to optogenetics for research and clinical applications. We review the currently known functions and present more in-depth assessment of three functionally and structurally distinct types discovered over the past two years: (a) anion channelrhodopsins (ACRs) from cryptophyte algae, which enable efficient optogenetic neural suppression; (b) cryptophyte cation channelrhodopsins (CCRs), structurally distinct from the green algae CCRs used extensively for neural activation and from cryptophyte ACRs; and
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena G Govorunova
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030; , , ,
| | - Oleg A Sineshchekov
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030; , , ,
| | - Hai Li
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030; , , ,
| | - John L Spudich
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030; , , ,
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Krause BS, Grimm C, Kaufmann JCD, Schneider F, Sakmar TP, Bartl FJ, Hegemann P. Complex Photochemistry within the Green-Absorbing Channelrhodopsin ReaChR. Biophys J 2017; 112:1166-1175. [PMID: 28355544 PMCID: PMC5374998 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light-activated ion channels widely employed for photostimulation of excitable cells. This study focuses on ReaChR, a chimeric ChR variant with optimal properties for optogenetic applications. We combined electrophysiological recordings with infrared and UV-visible spectroscopic measurements to investigate photocurrents and photochemical properties of ReaChR. Our data imply that ReaChR is green-light activated (λmax = 532 nm) with a non-rhodopsin-like action spectrum peaking at 610 nm for stationary photocurrents. This unusual spectral feature is associated with photoconversion of a previously unknown light-sensitive, blue-shifted photocycle intermediate L (λmax = 495 nm), which is accumulated under continuous illumination. To explain the complex photochemical reactions, we propose a symmetrical two-cycle-model based on the two C15=N isomers of the retinal cofactor with either syn- or anti-configuration, each comprising six consecutive states D, K, L, M, N, and O. Ion conduction involves two states per cycle, the late M- (M2) with a deprotonated retinal Schiff base and the consecutive green-absorbing N-state that both equilibrate via reversible reprotonation. In our model, a fraction of the deprotonated M-intermediate of the anti-cycle may be photoconverted-as the L-state-back to its inherent dark state, or to its M-state pendant (M') of the syn-cycle. The latter reaction pathway requires a C13=C14, C15=N double-isomerization of the retinal chromophore, whereas the intracircular photoconversion of M back to D involves only one C13=C14 double-bond isomerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Krause
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Christiane Grimm
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joel C D Kaufmann
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Schneider
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas P Sakmar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Franz J Bartl
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Institute of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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8
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Wietek J, Broser M, Krause BS, Hegemann P. Identification of a Natural Green Light Absorbing Chloride Conducting Channelrhodopsin from Proteomonas sulcata. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:4121-7. [PMID: 26740624 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.699637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chloride conducting channelrhodopsins (ChloCs) are new members of the optogenetic toolbox that enable neuronal inhibition in target cells. Originally, ChloCs have been engineered from cation conducting channelrhodopsins (ChRs), and later identified in a cryptophyte alga genome. We noticed that the sequence of a previously described Proteomonas sulcata ChR (PsChR1) was highly homologous to the naturally occurring and previously reported ChloCs GtACR1/2, but was not recognized as an anion conducting channel. Based on electrophysiological measurements obtained under various ionic conditions, we concluded that the PsChR1 photocurrent at physiological conditions is strongly inward rectifying and predominantly carried by chloride. The maximum activation was noted at excitation with light of 540 nm. An initial spectroscopic characterization of purified protein revealed that the photocycle and the transport mechanism of PsChR1 differ significantly from cation conducting ChRs. Hence, we concluded that PsChR1 is an anion conducting ChR, now renamed PsACR1, with a red-shifted absorption suited for multicolor optogenetic experiments in combination with blue light absorbing cation conducting ChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Wietek
- From the Institute for Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Broser
- From the Institute for Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin S Krause
- From the Institute for Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Hegemann
- From the Institute for Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
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9
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Bruun S, Stoeppler D, Keidel A, Kuhlmann U, Luck M, Diehl A, Geiger MA, Woodmansee D, Trauner D, Hegemann P, Oschkinat H, Hildebrandt P, Stehfest K. Light-Dark Adaptation of Channelrhodopsin Involves Photoconversion between the all-trans and 13-cis Retinal Isomers. Biochemistry 2015; 54:5389-400. [PMID: 26237332 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins (ChR) are light-gated ion channels of green algae that are widely used to probe the function of neuronal cells with light. Most ChRs show a substantial reduction in photocurrents during illumination, a process named "light adaptation". The main objective of this spectroscopic study was to elucidate the molecular processes associated with light-dark adaptation. Here we show by liquid and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy that the retinal chromophore of fully dark-adapted ChR is exclusively in an all-trans configuration. Resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy, however, revealed that already low light intensities establish a photostationary equilibrium between all-trans,15-anti and 13-cis,15-syn configurations at a ratio of 3:1. The underlying photoreactions involve simultaneous isomerization of the C(13)═C(14) and C(15)═N bonds. Both isomers of this DAapp state may run through photoinduced reaction cycles initiated by photoisomerization of only the C(13)═C(14) bond. RR spectroscopic experiments further demonstrated that photoinduced conversion of the apparent dark-adapted (DAapp) state to the photocycle intermediates P500 and P390 is distinctly more efficient for the all-trans isomer than for the 13-cis isomer, possibly because of different chromophore-water interactions. Our data demonstrating two complementary photocycles of the DAapp isomers are fully consistent with the existence of two conducting states that vary in quantitative relation during light-dark adaptation, as suggested previously by electrical measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bruun
- Technische Universität Berlin , Institut für Chemie, Sekr. PC14, Straße des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Stoeppler
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) , Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anke Keidel
- Technische Universität Berlin , Institut für Chemie, Sekr. PC14, Straße des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Kuhlmann
- Technische Universität Berlin , Institut für Chemie, Sekr. PC14, Straße des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Meike Luck
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , Institut für Biologie, Invalidenstrasse 42, D-10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Diehl
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) , Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michel-Andreas Geiger
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) , Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - David Woodmansee
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , Butenandtstraße 5-13, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , Butenandtstraße 5-13, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , Institut für Biologie, Invalidenstrasse 42, D-10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hartmut Oschkinat
- Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) , Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Hildebrandt
- Technische Universität Berlin , Institut für Chemie, Sekr. PC14, Straße des 17. Juni 135, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Stehfest
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin , Institut für Biologie, Invalidenstrasse 42, D-10115 Berlin, Germany
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Szundi I, Bogomolni R, Kliger DS. Platymonas subcordiformis Channelrhodopsin-2 (PsChR2) Function: II. RELATIONSHIP OF THE PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTION CYCLE TO CHANNEL CURRENTS. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:16585-94. [PMID: 25971978 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.653071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins, such as the algal phototaxis receptor Platymonas subcordiformis channelrhodopsin-2 (PsChR2), are light-gated cation channels used as optogenetic tools for photocontrol of membrane potential in living cells. Channelrhodopsin (ChR)-mediated photocurrent responses are complex and poorly understood, exhibiting alterations in peak current amplitude, extents and kinetics of inactivation, and kinetics of the recovery of the prestimulus dark current that are sensitive to duration and frequency of photostimuli. From the analysis of time-resolved optical absorption data, presented in the accompanying article, we derived a two-cycle model that describes the photocycles of PsChR2. Here, we applied the model to evaluate the transient currents produced by PsChR2 expressed in HEK293 cells under both fast laser excitation and step-like continuous illumination. Interpretation of the photocurrents in terms of the photocycle kinetics indicates that the O states in both cycles are responsible for the channel current and fit the current transients under the different illumination regimes. The peak and plateau currents in response to a single light step, a train of light pulses, and a light step superimposed on a continuous light background observed for ChR2 proteins are explained in terms of contributions from the two parallel photocycles. The analysis shows that the peak current desensitization and recovery phenomena are inherent properties of the photocycles. The light dependence of desensitization is reproduced and explained by the time evolution of the concentration transients in response to step-like illumination. Our data show that photocycle kinetic parameters are sufficient to explain the complex dependence of photocurrent responses to photostimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istvan Szundi
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064
| | - Roberto Bogomolni
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064
| | - David S Kliger
- From the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064
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