Optogenetics

Question 1

Light-sensitive proteins found in microbes are what kind of opsin?

Answer 1

Type 1

Question 2

Light-sensitive proteins found in vertebrates are what kind of opsin?

Answer 2

Type 2

Question 3

Role of optogenetics?

Answer 3

Use light to control cells in living tissue

Used to understand how cells percieve and respond to signals.

Changes cells membrane potential.

Question 4

How do Type 1 opsins work?

Answer 4

• Light gated ion channel
  
  • Certain wavelengths of light causes conformational change in protein, leading to opening of pore that allows ions to enter or exit.

Question 5

What is a ChR and what does it do?

Answer 5

Channelrhodopsin; allows Na+ into the cell.

Question 6

What is a HR, and what does it do?

Answer 6

Allows Cl- into the cell.

Question 7

What is a BR, and what does it do?

Answer 7

Bacteriorhodopsin; allows H+ to exit the cell.

Question 8

What is a XR; and what does it do?

Answer 8

rhodopsin-G protein-coupled receptor; Allows Gs or Gq to enter the cell.

Question 9

What wavelength activates ChR?

Answer 9

~470 nm

Blue

Question 10

What wavelength activates HR?

Answer 10

~590 nm

Amber

Question 11

What wavelength activates BR?

Answer 11

~575 nm

yellow

Question 12

What wavelength activates OptoXR?

Answer 12

~500 nm

Blue-Green

Question 13

Steps in Optogentics:

Answer 13

1. Generate DNA Construct
2. Insert Construct into cells
   
   1. Inject directly
   2. Use a virus
3. Insert light into region of brain
4. Activate light