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Govorunova EG, Sineshchekov OA. Channelrhodopsins: From Phototaxis to Optogenetics. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1555-1570. [PMID: 38105024 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins stand out among other retinal proteins because of their capacity to generate passive ionic currents following photoactivation. Owing to that, channelrhodopsins are widely used in neuroscience and cardiology as instruments for optogenetic manipulation of the activity of excitable cells. Photocurrents generated by channelrhodopsins were first discovered in the cells of green algae in the 1970s. In this review we describe this discovery and discuss the current state of research in the field.
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Sineshchekov OA, Govorunova EG, Li H, Wang Y, Spudich JL. Sequential absorption of two photons creates a bistable form of RubyACR responsible for its strong desensitization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301521120. [PMID: 37186849 PMCID: PMC10214203 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301521120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins with red-shifted absorption, rare in nature, are highly desired for optogenetics because light of longer wavelengths more deeply penetrates biological tissue. RubyACRs (Anion ChannelRhodopsins), a group of four closely related anion-conducting channelrhodopsins from thraustochytrid protists, are the most red-shifted channelrhodopsins known with absorption maxima up to 610 nm. Their photocurrents are large, as is typical of blue- and green-absorbing ACRs, but they rapidly decrease during continuous illumination (desensitization) and extremely slowly recover in the dark. Here, we show that long-lasting desensitization of RubyACRs results from photochemistry not observed in any previously studied channelrhodopsins. Absorption of a second photon by a photocycle intermediate with maximal absorption at 640 nm (P640) renders RubyACR bistable (i.e., very slowly interconvertible between two spectrally distinct forms). The photocycle of this bistable form involves long-lived nonconducting states (Llong and Mlong), formation of which is the reason for long-lasting desensitization of RubyACR photocurrents. Both Llong and Mlong are photoactive and convert to the initial unphotolyzed state upon blue or ultraviolet (UV) illumination, respectively. We show that desensitization of RubyACRs can be reduced or even eliminated by using ns laser flashes, trains of short light pulses instead of continuous illumination to avoid formation of Llong and Mlong, or by application of pulses of blue light between pulses of red light to photoconvert Llong to the initial unphotolyzed state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg A. Sineshchekov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Membrane Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX77030
| | - Elena G. Govorunova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Membrane Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX77030
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Membrane Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX77030
| | - Yumei Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Membrane Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX77030
| | - John L. Spudich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Membrane Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX77030
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Kojima K, Kawanishi S, Nishimura Y, Hasegawa M, Nakao S, Nagata Y, Yoshizawa S, Sudo Y. A blue-shifted anion channelrhodopsin from the Colpodellida alga Vitrella brassicaformis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6974. [PMID: 37117398 PMCID: PMC10147648 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34125-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial rhodopsins, a family of photoreceptive membrane proteins containing the chromophore retinal, show a variety of light-dependent molecular functions. Channelrhodopsins work as light-gated ion channels and are widely utilized for optogenetics, which is a method for controlling neural activities by light. Since two cation channelrhodopsins were identified from the chlorophyte alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, recent advances in genomic research have revealed a wide variety of channelrhodopsins including anion channelrhodopsins (ACRs), describing their highly diversified molecular properties (e.g., spectral sensitivity, kinetics and ion selectivity). Here, we report two channelrhodopsin-like rhodopsins from the Colpodellida alga Vitrella brassicaformis, which are phylogenetically distinct from the known channelrhodopsins. Spectroscopic and electrophysiological analyses indicated that these rhodopsins are green- and blue-sensitive pigments (λmax = ~ 550 and ~ 440 nm) that exhibit light-dependent ion channeling activities. Detailed electrophysiological analysis revealed that one of them works as a monovalent anion (Cl-, Br- and NO3-) channel and we named it V. brassicaformis anion channelrhodopsin-2, VbACR2. Importantly, the absorption maximum of VbACR2 (~ 440 nm) is blue-shifted among the known ACRs. Thus, we identified the new blue-shifted ACR, which leads to the expansion of the molecular diversity of ACRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Kojima
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Shiho Kawanishi
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Yosuke Nishimura
- Research Center for Bioscience and Nanoscience (CeBN), Research Institute for Marine Resources Utilization, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Kanagawa, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Masumi Hasegawa
- Institute for Extra-Cutting-Edge Science and Technology Avant-Garde Research (X-Star), Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Kanagawa, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Shin Nakao
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Yuya Nagata
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Susumu Yoshizawa
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, 277-8564, Japan
| | - Yuki Sudo
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
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Govorunova EG, Sineshchekov OA, Spudich JL. Potassium-selective channelrhodopsins. Biophys Physicobiol 2023; 20:e201011. [PMID: 38362336 PMCID: PMC10865875 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v20.s011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery 21 years ago, channelrhodopsins have come of age and have become indispensable tools for optogenetic control of excitable cells such as neurons and myocytes. Potential therapeutic utility of channelrhodopsins has been proven by partial vision restoration in a human patient. Previously known channelrhodopsins are either proton channels, non-selective cation channels almost equally permeable to Na+ and K+ besides protons, or anion channels. Two years ago, we discovered a group of channelrhodopsins that exhibit over an order of magnitude higher selectivity for K+ than for Na+. These proteins, known as "kalium channelrhodopsins" or KCRs, lack the canonical tetrameric selectivity filter found in voltage- and ligand-gated K+ channels, and use a unique selectivity mechanism intrinsic to their individual protomers. Mutant analysis has revealed that the key residues responsible for K+ selectivity in KCRs are located at both ends of the putative cation conduction pathway, and their role has been confirmed by high-resolution KCR structures. Expression of KCRs in mouse neurons and human cardiomyocytes enabled optical inhibition of these cells' electrical activity. In this minireview we briefly discuss major results of KCR research obtained during the last two years and suggest some directions of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena G. Govorunova
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Oleg A. Sineshchekov
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John L. Spudich
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Abstract
Potassium-selective channelrhodopsins (KCRs) are light-gated K+ channels recently found in the stramenopile protist Hyphochytrium catenoides. When expressed in neurons, KCRs enable high-precision optical inhibition of spiking (optogenetic silencing). KCRs are capable of discriminating K+ from Na+ without the conventional K+ selectivity filter found in classical K+ channels. The genome of H. catenoides also encodes a third paralog that is more permeable for Na+ than for K+. To identify structural motifs responsible for the unusual K+ selectivity of KCRs, we systematically analyzed a series of chimeras and mutants of this protein. We found that mutations of three critical residues in the paralog convert its Na+-selective channel into a K+-selective one. Our characterization of homologous proteins from other protists (Colponema vietnamica, Cafeteria burkhardae, and Chromera velia) and metagenomic samples confirmed the importance of these residues for K+ selectivity. We also show that Trp102 and Asp116, conserved in all three H. catenoides paralogs, are necessary, although not sufficient, for K+ selectivity. Our results provide the foundation for further engineering of KCRs for optogenetic needs. IMPORTANCE Recently discovered microbial light-gated ion channels (channelrhodopsins) with a higher permeability for K+ than for Na+ (potassium-selective channelrhodopsins [kalium channelrhodopsins, or KCRs]) demonstrate an alternative K+ selectivity mechanism, unrelated to well-characterized "selectivity filters" of voltage- and ligand-gated K+ channels. KCRs can be used for optogenetic inhibition of neuronal firing and potentially for the development of gene therapies to treat neurological and cardiovascular disorders. In this study, we identified structural motifs that determine the K+ selectivity of KCRs that provide the foundation for their further improvement as optogenetic tools.
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Vierock J, Peter E, Grimm C, Rozenberg A, Chen IW, Tillert L, Castro Scalise AG, Casini M, Augustin S, Tanese D, Forget BC, Peyronnet R, Schneider-Warme F, Emiliani V, Béjà O, Hegemann P. WiChR, a highly potassium-selective channelrhodopsin for low-light one- and two-photon inhibition of excitable cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd7729. [PMID: 36383037 PMCID: PMC9733931 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add7729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The electric excitability of muscle, heart, and brain tissue relies on the precise interplay of Na+- and K+-selective ion channels. The involved ion fluxes are controlled in optogenetic studies using light-gated channelrhodopsins (ChRs). While non-selective cation-conducting ChRs are well established for excitation, K+-selective ChRs (KCRs) for efficient inhibition have only recently come into reach. Here, we report the molecular analysis of recently discovered KCRs from the stramenopile Hyphochytrium catenoides and identification of a novel type of hydrophobic K+ selectivity filter. Next, we demonstrate that the KCR signature motif is conserved in related stramenopile ChRs. Among them, WiChR from Wobblia lunata features a so far unmatched preference for K+ over Na+, stable photocurrents under continuous illumination, and a prolonged open-state lifetime. Showing high expression levels in cardiac myocytes and neurons, WiChR allows single- and two-photon inhibition at low irradiance and reduced tissue heating. Therefore, we recommend WiChR as the long-awaited efficient and versatile optogenetic inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Vierock
- Institut für Biologie, Experimentelle Biophysik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Peter
- Institut für Biologie, Experimentelle Biophysik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Grimm
- Wavefront Engineering Microscopy Group, Photonics Department, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Andrey Rozenberg
- Faculty of Biology, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - I-Wen Chen
- Wavefront Engineering Microscopy Group, Photonics Department, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Linda Tillert
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Marilù Casini
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg · Bad Krozingen, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Regenerative Medicine and Heart Transplantation Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe and ITACA Institute (COR), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Augustin
- Institut für Biologie, Experimentelle Biophysik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dimitrii Tanese
- Wavefront Engineering Microscopy Group, Photonics Department, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Benoît C. Forget
- Wavefront Engineering Microscopy Group, Photonics Department, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Rémi Peyronnet
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg · Bad Krozingen, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Franziska Schneider-Warme
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg · Bad Krozingen, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Valentina Emiliani
- Wavefront Engineering Microscopy Group, Photonics Department, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Oded Béjà
- Faculty of Biology, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Institut für Biologie, Experimentelle Biophysik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
Rhodopsins are widely distributed across all domains of life where they perform a plethora of functions through the conversion of electromagnetic radiation into physicochemical signals. As a result of an extensive survey of available genomic and metagenomic sequencing data, we reported the existence of novel clades and exotic sequence motifs scattered throughout the evolutionary radiations of both Type-1 and Type-3 rhodopsins that will likely enlarge the optogenetics toolbox. We expanded the typical rhodopsin blueprint by showing that a highly conserved and functionally important arginine residue (i.e., Arg82) was substituted multiple times during evolution by an extensive amino acid spectrum. We proposed the umbrella term Alt-rhodopsins (AltRs) for all such proteins that departed Arg82 orthodoxy. Some AltRs formed novel clades in the rhodopsin phylogeny and were found in giant viruses. Some newly uncovered AltRs were phylogenetically close to heliorhodopsins, which allowed a closer examination of the phylogenetic border between Type-1 rhodopsins and heliorhodopsins. Comprehensive phylogenetic trees and ancestral sequence reconstructions allowed us to advance the hypothesis that proto-heliorhodopsins were a eukaryotic innovation before their subsequent diversification into the extant Type-3 rhodopsins. IMPORTANCE The rhodopsin scaffold is remarkably versatile and widespread, coupling light availability to energy production and other light-dependent cellular responses with minor alterations to critical residues. We described an unprecedented spectrum of substitutions at one of the most conserved amino acids in the rhodopsin fold, Arg82. We denoted such phylogenetically diverse rhodopsins with the umbrella name Alt-rhodopsins (AltR) and described a distinct branch of AltRs in giant viruses. Intriguingly, some AltRs were the closest phylogenetic neighbors to Heliorhodopsins (HeRs) whose origins have remained enigmatic. Our analyses of HeR origins in the light of AltRs led us to posit a most unusual evolutionary trajectory that suggested a eukaryotic origin for HeRs before their diversification in prokaryotes.
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Karpova OV, Vinogradova EN, Lobakova ES. Identification of the Channelrhodopsin Genes in the Green and Cryptophytic Algae from the White and Black Seas. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:1187-1198. [PMID: 36273887 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to the unique capability of modulating cell membrane potential upon photoactivation, channelrhodopsins of green (Chlorophyta) and cryptophytic (Cryptophyta) algae are widely employed in optogenetics, a modern method of light-dependent regulation of biological processes. To enable the search for new genes perspective for optogenetics, we have developed the PCR tests for the presence of genes of the cation and anion channelrhodopsins. Six isolates of green algae Haematococcus and Bracteacoccus from the White Sea region and 2 specimens of Rhodomonas sp. (Cryptophyta) from the regions of White and Black Seas were analyzed. Using our PCR test we have demonstrated the known Haematococcus rhodopsin genes and have discovered novel rhodopsin genes in the genus of Bracteacoccus. Two distantly homologous genes of anion channelrhodopsins were also identified in the cryptophytic Rhodomonas sp. from the White and Black Seas. These results indicate that the developed PCR tests might be useful tool for a broad-range screening of the Chlorophyta and Cryptophyta algae to identify unique channelrhodopsin genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Karpova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Elizaveta N Vinogradova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Kurchatov Institute National Research Center, Moscow, 123182, Russia
| | - Elena S Lobakova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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Wang Z, Yu Z, He L, Zhu J, Liu L, Song X. Establishment and preliminary study of electrophysiological techniques in a typical red tide species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 840:156698. [PMID: 35710000 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Electrophysiology studies the electrical properties of cells and tissues including bioelectrical signals and membrane ion channel activities. As an important means to reveal ion channel related physiological functions and the underlying mechanisms, electrophysiological techniques have been widely used in studies of animals, higher plants and algae that are closely related to higher plants. However, few electrophysiological studies have been carried out in red tide organisms, especially in dinoflagellates, which is mainly due to the complex surface structure of dinoflagellate amphiesma. In this study, the surface amphiesma of Alexandrium pacificum, a typical red tide species, was removed by centrifugation, low-temperature treatment and enzymatic treatment. In all three treatments, low-temperature treatment with 4 °C for 2 h had high ecdysis rate and high fixation rate, and the treated cells were easy to puncture, so low-temperature treatment was used as a preprocessing treatment for subsequent current recording. Acquired protoplasts of A. pacificum were identified by calcofluor fluorescence and immobilized by poly-lysine. A modified "puncture" single-electrode voltage-clamp recording was first applied to dinoflagellates, and voltage-gated currents, which had the characteristics of outward K+ current and inward Cl- current, were recorded and confirmed by ion replacement, indicating the voltage-gated currents were mixed. This method can be used as a technical basis for the electrophysiological study of dinoflagellates and provides a new perspective for the study of stress tolerance, red tide succession, and the regulation of physiological function of dinoflagellates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongshi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zhiming Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Liyan He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jianan Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Lidong Liu
- The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brian Health and Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Xiuxian Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
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Govorunova EG, Sineshchekov OA, Brown LS, Spudich JL. Biophysical characterization of light-gated ion channels using planar automated patch clamp. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:976910. [PMID: 36017077 PMCID: PMC9396214 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.976910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are proteins that guide phototaxis in protists and exhibit light-gated channel conductance when their genes are heterologously expressed in mammalian cells. ChRs are widely used as molecular tools to control neurons and cardiomyocytes with light (optogenetics). Cation- and anion-selective ChRs (CCRs and ACRs, respectively) enable stimulation and inhibition of neuronal activity by depolarization and hyperpolarization of the membrane, respectively. More than 400 natural ChR variants have been identified so far, and high-throughput polynucleotide sequencing projects add many more each year. However, electrophysiological characterization of new ChRs lags behind because it is mostly done by time-consuming manual patch clamp (MPC). Here we report using a high-throughput automated patch clamp (APC) platform, SyncroPatch 384i from Nanion Technologies, for ChR research. We find that this instrument can be used for determination of the light intensity dependence and current-voltage relationships in ChRs and discuss its advantages and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena G. Govorunova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Membrane Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Oleg A. Sineshchekov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Membrane Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Leonid S. Brown
- Biophysics Interdepartmental Group, Department of Physics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - John L. Spudich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Membrane Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
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Govorunova EG, Gou Y, Sineshchekov OA, Li H, Lu X, Wang Y, Brown LS, St-Pierre F, Xue M, Spudich JL. Kalium channelrhodopsins are natural light-gated potassium channels that mediate optogenetic inhibition. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:967-974. [PMID: 35726059 PMCID: PMC9854242 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01094-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins are used widely for optical control of neurons, in which they generate photoinduced proton, sodium or chloride influx. Potassium (K+) is central to neuron electrophysiology, yet no natural K+-selective light-gated channel has been identified. Here, we report kalium channelrhodopsins (KCRs) from Hyphochytrium catenoides. Previously known gated potassium channels are mainly ligand- or voltage-gated and share a conserved K+-selectivity filter. KCRs differ in that they are light-gated and have independently evolved an alternative K+ selectivity mechanism. The KCRs are potent, highly selective of K+ over Na+, and open in less than 1 ms following photoactivation. The permeability ratio PK/PNa of 23 makes H. catenoides KCR1 (HcKCR1) a powerful hyperpolarizing tool to suppress excitable cell firing upon illumination, demonstrated here in mouse cortical neurons. HcKCR1 enables optogenetic control of K+ gradients, which is promising for the study and potential treatment of potassium channelopathies such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and long-QT syndrome and other cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena G Govorunova
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yueyang Gou
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Oleg A Sineshchekov
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hai Li
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Lu
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yumei Wang
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leonid S Brown
- Department of Physics and Biophysics Interdepartmental Group, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - François St-Pierre
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology Program, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mingshan Xue
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John L Spudich
- Center for Membrane Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA.
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de Grip WJ, Ganapathy S. Rhodopsins: An Excitingly Versatile Protein Species for Research, Development and Creative Engineering. Front Chem 2022; 10:879609. [PMID: 35815212 PMCID: PMC9257189 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.879609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The first member and eponym of the rhodopsin family was identified in the 1930s as the visual pigment of the rod photoreceptor cell in the animal retina. It was found to be a membrane protein, owing its photosensitivity to the presence of a covalently bound chromophoric group. This group, derived from vitamin A, was appropriately dubbed retinal. In the 1970s a microbial counterpart of this species was discovered in an archaeon, being a membrane protein also harbouring retinal as a chromophore, and named bacteriorhodopsin. Since their discovery a photogenic panorama unfolded, where up to date new members and subspecies with a variety of light-driven functionality have been added to this family. The animal branch, meanwhile categorized as type-2 rhodopsins, turned out to form a large subclass in the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors and are essential to multiple elements of light-dependent animal sensory physiology. The microbial branch, the type-1 rhodopsins, largely function as light-driven ion pumps or channels, but also contain sensory-active and enzyme-sustaining subspecies. In this review we will follow the development of this exciting membrane protein panorama in a representative number of highlights and will present a prospect of their extraordinary future potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem J. de Grip
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biophysical Organic Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Srividya Ganapathy
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
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Govorunova EG, Sineshchekov OA, Spudich JL. Emerging Diversity of Channelrhodopsins and Their Structure-Function Relationships. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:800313. [PMID: 35140589 PMCID: PMC8818676 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.800313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cation and anion channelrhodopsins (CCRs and ACRs, respectively) from phototactic algae have become widely used as genetically encoded molecular tools to control cell membrane potential with light. Recent advances in polynucleotide sequencing, especially in environmental samples, have led to identification of hundreds of channelrhodopsin homologs in many phylogenetic lineages, including non-photosynthetic protists. Only a few CCRs and ACRs have been characterized in detail, but there are indications that ion channel function has evolved within the rhodopsin superfamily by convergent routes. The diversity of channelrhodopsins provides an exceptional platform for the study of structure-function evolution in membrane proteins. Here we review the current state of channelrhodopsin research and outline perspectives for its further development.
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Broser M. Far-Red Absorbing Rhodopsins, Insights From Heterodimeric Rhodopsin-Cyclases. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:806922. [PMID: 35127823 PMCID: PMC8815786 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.806922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The recently discovered Rhodopsin-cyclases from Chytridiomycota fungi show completely unexpected properties for microbial rhodopsins. These photoreceptors function exclusively as heterodimers, with the two subunits that have very different retinal chromophores. Among them is the bimodal photoswitchable Neorhodopsin (NeoR), which exhibits a near-infrared absorbing, highly fluorescent state. These are features that have never been described for any retinal photoreceptor. Here these properties are discussed in the context of color-tuning approaches of retinal chromophores, which have been extensively studied since the discovery of the first microbial rhodopsin, bacteriorhodopsin, in 1971 (Oesterhelt et al., Nature New Biology, 1971, 233 (39), 149–152). Further a brief review about the concept of heterodimerization is given, which is widely present in class III cyclases but is unknown for rhodopsins. NIR-sensitive retinal chromophores have greatly expanded our understanding of the spectral range of natural retinal photoreceptors and provide a novel perspective for the development of optogenetic tools.
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Abdelfattah AS, Ahuja S, Akkin T, Allu SR, Brake J, Boas DA, Buckley EM, Campbell RE, Chen AI, Cheng X, Čižmár T, Costantini I, De Vittorio M, Devor A, Doran PR, El Khatib M, Emiliani V, Fomin-Thunemann N, Fainman Y, Fernandez-Alfonso T, Ferri CGL, Gilad A, Han X, Harris A, Hillman EMC, Hochgeschwender U, Holt MG, Ji N, Kılıç K, Lake EMR, Li L, Li T, Mächler P, Miller EW, Mesquita RC, Nadella KMNS, Nägerl UV, Nasu Y, Nimmerjahn A, Ondráčková P, Pavone FS, Perez Campos C, Peterka DS, Pisano F, Pisanello F, Puppo F, Sabatini BL, Sadegh S, Sakadzic S, Shoham S, Shroff SN, Silver RA, Sims RR, Smith SL, Srinivasan VJ, Thunemann M, Tian L, Tian L, Troxler T, Valera A, Vaziri A, Vinogradov SA, Vitale F, Wang LV, Uhlířová H, Xu C, Yang C, Yang MH, Yellen G, Yizhar O, Zhao Y. Neurophotonic tools for microscopic measurements and manipulation: status report. NEUROPHOTONICS 2022; 9:013001. [PMID: 35493335 PMCID: PMC9047450 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.9.s1.013001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Neurophotonics was launched in 2014 coinciding with the launch of the BRAIN Initiative focused on development of technologies for advancement of neuroscience. For the last seven years, Neurophotonics' agenda has been well aligned with this focus on neurotechnologies featuring new optical methods and tools applicable to brain studies. While the BRAIN Initiative 2.0 is pivoting towards applications of these novel tools in the quest to understand the brain, this status report reviews an extensive and diverse toolkit of novel methods to explore brain function that have emerged from the BRAIN Initiative and related large-scale efforts for measurement and manipulation of brain structure and function. Here, we focus on neurophotonic tools mostly applicable to animal studies. A companion report, scheduled to appear later this year, will cover diffuse optical imaging methods applicable to noninvasive human studies. For each domain, we outline the current state-of-the-art of the respective technologies, identify the areas where innovation is needed, and provide an outlook for the future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S. Abdelfattah
- Brown University, Department of Neuroscience, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Sapna Ahuja
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Taner Akkin
- University of Minnesota, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Srinivasa Rao Allu
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Joshua Brake
- Harvey Mudd College, Department of Engineering, Claremont, California, United States
| | - David A. Boas
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Erin M. Buckley
- Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Emory University, Department of Pediatrics, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Robert E. Campbell
- University of Tokyo, Department of Chemistry, Tokyo, Japan
- University of Alberta, Department of Chemistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anderson I. Chen
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Xiaojun Cheng
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Tomáš Čižmár
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Irene Costantini
- University of Florence, European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Department of Biology, Florence, Italy
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo De Vittorio
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
| | - Anna Devor
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Patrick R. Doran
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Mirna El Khatib
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | | | - Natalie Fomin-Thunemann
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Yeshaiahu Fainman
- University of California San Diego, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Tomas Fernandez-Alfonso
- University College London, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher G. L. Ferri
- University of California San Diego, Departments of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Ariel Gilad
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Institute for Medical Research Israel–Canada, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Xue Han
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Andrew Harris
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Brain Sciences, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Ute Hochgeschwender
- Central Michigan University, Department of Neuroscience, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
| | - Matthew G. Holt
- University of Porto, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, Portugal
| | - Na Ji
- University of California Berkeley, Department of Physics, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Kıvılcım Kılıç
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Evelyn M. R. Lake
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Lei Li
- California Institute of Technology, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
| | - Tianqi Li
- University of Minnesota, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Philipp Mächler
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Evan W. Miller
- University of California Berkeley, Departments of Chemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, California, United States
| | | | | | - U. Valentin Nägerl
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience University of Bordeaux & CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yusuke Nasu
- University of Tokyo, Department of Chemistry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Axel Nimmerjahn
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Petra Ondráčková
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francesco S. Pavone
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- University of Florence, European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Department of Physics, Florence, Italy
| | - Citlali Perez Campos
- Columbia University, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, United States
| | - Darcy S. Peterka
- Columbia University, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York, United States
| | - Filippo Pisano
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Pisanello
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies, Arnesano, Italy
| | - Francesca Puppo
- University of California San Diego, Departments of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Bernardo L. Sabatini
- Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sanaz Sadegh
- University of California San Diego, Departments of Neurosciences, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Sava Sakadzic
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Shy Shoham
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Tech4Health and Neuroscience Institutes, New York, New York, United States
| | - Sanaya N. Shroff
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - R. Angus Silver
- University College London, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth R. Sims
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Spencer L. Smith
- University of California Santa Barbara, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Santa Barbara, California, United States
| | - Vivek J. Srinivasan
- New York University Langone Health, Departments of Ophthalmology and Radiology, New York, New York, United States
| | - Martin Thunemann
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Lei Tian
- Boston University, Departments of Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Lin Tian
- University of California Davis, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Davis, California, United States
| | - Thomas Troxler
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Antoine Valera
- University College London, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alipasha Vaziri
- Rockefeller University, Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics, New York, New York, United States
- The Rockefeller University, The Kavli Neural Systems Institute, New York, New York, United States
| | - Sergei A. Vinogradov
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Flavia Vitale
- Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, Departments of Neurology, Bioengineering, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Lihong V. Wang
- California Institute of Technology, Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
| | - Hana Uhlířová
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Chris Xu
- Cornell University, School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Changhuei Yang
- California Institute of Technology, Departments of Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering and Medical Engineering, Pasadena, California, United States
| | - Mu-Han Yang
- University of California San Diego, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Gary Yellen
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurobiology, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ofer Yizhar
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Department of Brain Sciences, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yongxin Zhao
- Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Biological Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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