Electrophysiological Characterization of Microbial Rhodopsins by Patch-Clamp Experiments

Thomas Mager

doi:10.1007/978-1-0716-2329-9_13

Electrophysiological Characterization of Microbial Rhodopsins by Patch-Clamp Experiments

Methods Mol Biol. 2022:2501:277-288. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2329-9_13.

Author

Thomas Mager^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Advanced Optogenes Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience and InnerEarLab, University Medical Center Gottinggen, Gottingen, Germany. thomas.mager@med.uni-goettingen.de.
² Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany. thomas.mager@med.uni-goettingen.de.

PMID: 35857233
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2329-9_13

Abstract

Optogenetics is of key importance for progress in basic neuroscience research and the development of innovative future medical treatments. In particular, the use of microbial rhodopsins enables remote control of excitable-cell activity by light. The electrophysiological characterization of microbial rhodopsins is inevitable for the development of variants, which further advance optogenetic applications. Therefore, we provide a detailed description of the application of the patch-clamp method for the electrophysiological characterization of microbial rhodopsins. Here we describe the investigation of light sensitivity, wavelength- and voltage-dependence, photocurrent inactivation, kinetics, and ion selectivity.

Keywords: Channelrhodopsins; Electrophysiological characterization; Light-driven ion pumps; Microbial rhodopsins; Optogenetics; Patch-clamp method.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Electrophysiological Phenomena*
Optogenetics / methods
Patch-Clamp Techniques
Rhodopsins, Microbial*

Substances

Rhodopsins, Microbial