Optical control of mouse olfactory sensory neurons

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24500456
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Neurophysiology and muscle physiology
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: ISHII TOMOHIRO 東京医科歯科大学, 医歯(薬)学総合研究科, 助教 (60549947)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 光遺伝学 / カルシウムシグナル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Ca2+ signals are highly regulated in a spatiotemporal manner in numerous cellular physiological events. Here, I engineered blue light-activated Ca2+ channel switch (BACCS), as an optogenetic tool for manipulating Ca2+ signals. Ca2+ influx was induced in various cell types expressing BACCS. Local Ca2+ signals were generated in neurites of mouse hippocampal neurons by local exposure to light. In the mouse olfactory system, neurons expressing BACCS showed electrophysiological responses in response to light, suggesting that it is applicable to in vivo studies. Thus, BACCSs will be a useful optogenetic tool for controlling intracellular Ca2+ both in vitro and in vivo.

Free Research Field

嗅覚