Algal Protein In Worm Neurons Allows Remote Control Of Behavior By Light

Algal Protein In Worm Neurons Allows Remote Control Of Behavior By Light: "In their new study, the researchers employed a light-sensitive protein from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This protein, channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), sits in cell membranes, where it gates the flow of certain ions from one side of the membrane to the other. Such so-called channel proteins play central roles in the activities of neurons and muscle cells, and while some channel proteins are sensitive to chemicals or electrical signals, ChR2 and its relatives are controlled directly by certain wavelengths of light, making them ideal for remote control in the laboratory. "

Nagel et al.: "Light Activation of Channelrhodopsin-2 in Excitable Cells of Caenorhabditis elegans Triggers Rapid Behavioral Responses." Publishing in Current Biology, Vol. 15, 2279-2284, December 20, 2005, DOI 10.1016/j.cub.2005.11.032 www.current-biology.com.