Main description:

The development of new photochemical tools, some synthesized by chemists and some provided by nature, is rapidly changing the way neurobiological research is performed in the modern laboratory. In Photosensitive Molecules for Controlling Biological Function, expert researchers in the field examine the most cutting-edge tools currently available. Divided into three sections, this detailed compendium features techniques involving natural photosensitive proteins, caged neurotransmitters, and small molecule photoswitches that bestow light sensitivity on ion channels and receptors. Written for the Neuromethods series, this volume features the type of meticulous description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results in the lab.

Authoritative and practical, Photosensitive Molecules for Controlling Biological Function provides an unbiased comparison of the various photochemical tools currently available for controlling neuronal activity in order to aid scientists in the vital goal of choosing the right tools for the right job.

Contents:

Part I: Photoreactive Small Molecules for Affecting Biological Function

1. Introduction to Part I: Caged Neurotransmitters

James J. Chambers and Richard H. Kramer

2. Targeting and Excitation of Photoactivatable Molecules: Design Considerations for Neurophysiology Experiments

Eugene F. Civillico, J. Peter Rickgauer, and Samuel S.-H. Wang

3. Are Caged Compounds Still Useful?

Graham C.R. Ellis-Davies

4. Chromophores for the Delivery of Bioactive Molecules with Two-Photon Excitation

Timothy M. Dore and Hunter C. Wilson

Part II: Imparting Light Sensitivity on Cells Using Photosensitive Proteins

5. Introduction to Part II: Natural Photosensitive Proteins

James J. Chambers and Richard H. Kramer

6. Light-Activated Ion Pumps and Channels for Temporally-Precise Optical Control of Activity in Genetically-Targeted Neurons

Brian Y. Chow, Xue Han, Jacob G. Bernstein, Patrick E. Monahan, and Edward S. Boyden

7. Vertebrate and Invertebrate Rhodopsins: Light Control of G Protein Signaling

Davina V. Gutierrez, Eugene Oh, and Stefan Herlitze

8. Restoring Visual Function after Photoreceptor Degeneration: Ectopic Expression of Photosensitive Proteins in Retinal Neurons

Bin Lin and Richard H. Masland

Part III: Molecular Photoswitch Conjugates to Remotely Affect Activity

9. Introduction to Part III: Small Molecule Photoswitches

James J. Chambers and Richard H. Kramer

10. Photoswitch Design

Andrew A. Beharry and G. Andrew Woolley

11. Photoswitchable Voltage-Gated Ion Channels

Doris L. Fortin and Richard H. Kramer

12. Optical Manipulation of Protein Activity and Protein Interactions Using Caged Proteins and Optical Switch Protein Conjugates

Yuling Yan and Gerard Marriott

13. Structure-Based Design of Light-Controlled Proteins

Harald Janovjak and Ehud Y. Isacoff

14. Photoswitchable Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

Pau Gorostiza and Ehud. Y. Isacoff