Probing plant signal processing optogenetically by two channelrhodopsins.

Early plant responses to different stress situations often encompass cytosolic Ca increases, plasma membrane depolarization and the generation of reactive oxygen species. However, the mechanisms by which these signalling elements are translated into defined physiological outcomes are poorly understood. Here, to study the basis for encoding of specificity in plant signal processing, we used light-gated ion channels (channelrhodopsins).

PMRT1, a -Specific Parasite Plasma Membrane Transporter, Is Essential for Asexual and Sexual Blood Stage Development.

Membrane transport proteins perform crucial roles in cell physiology. The obligate intracellular parasite Plasmodium falciparum, an agent of human malaria, relies on membrane transport proteins for the uptake of nutrients from the host, disposal of metabolic waste, exchange of metabolites between organelles, and generation and maintenance of transmembrane electrochemical gradients for its growth and replication within human erythrocytes. Despite their importance for cellular physiology, the functional roles of a number of membrane transport proteins remain unclear, which is particularly true for orphan membrane transporters that have no or limited sequence homology to transporter proteins in other evolutionary lineages.

Modified Rhodopsins From Excel With Very High Proton-Transport Rates.

is a black fungus that can adapt to various stressful conditions like hypersaline, acidic, and alkaline environments. The genome of exhibits three genes coding for putative opsins ApOps1, ApOps2, and ApOps3. We heterologously expressed these genes in mammalian cells and oocytes.

Optogenetic control of plant growth by a microbial rhodopsin.

While rhodopsin-based optogenetics has revolutionized neuroscience, poor expression of opsins and the absence of the essential cofactor all-trans-retinal has complicated the application of rhodopsins in plants. Here, we demonstrate retinal production in plants and improved rhodopsin targeting for green light manipulation of plant cells using the Guillardia theta light-gated anion channelrhodopsin GtACR1. Green light induces a massive increase in anion permeability and pronounced membrane potential changes when GtACR1 is expressed, enabling non-invasive manipulation of plant growth and leaf development.

Structural basis of TRPC4 regulation by calmodulin and pharmacological agents.

Canonical transient receptor potential channels (TRPC) are involved in receptor-operated and/or store-operated Ca signaling. Inhibition of TRPCs by small molecules was shown to be promising in treating renal diseases. In cells, the channels are regulated by calmodulin (CaM).

Synthetic Light-Activated Ion Channels for Optogenetic Activation and Inhibition.

Optogenetic manipulation of cells or living organisms became widely used in neuroscience following the introduction of the light-gated ion channel channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2). ChR2 is a non-selective cation channel, ideally suited to depolarize and evoke action potentials in neurons. However, its calcium (Ca) permeability and single channel conductance are low and for some applications longer-lasting increases in intracellular Ca might be desirable.