Abstract
Molecular probes and switches for functional analysis of receptors, ion channels and synaptic networks
Highlights
Photochromic switches and genetically encoded biosensors have become powerful tools for monitoring and modulating the activity of neurons and neuronal networks
The issue contains experimental and methodological papers as well as review articles dealing with molecular tools for investigation and modulation of neuronal function. It can be divided into two main sections: (i) genetically encoded probes for non-invasive monitoring of ions and ATP; and (ii) optogenetic and optopharmacologic tools for control of neuronal activity with light
A sensor with improved sensitivity to chloride, called Cl-Sensor (Markova et al, 2008), has previously been used to measure [Cl−]i in different cell types and to analyse the function of the potassium-chloride transporter KCC2 in hippocampal neurons (Bregestovski et al, 2009; Waseem et al, 2010; Pellegrino et al, 2011). In this issue, improved methods for the stable, longlasting ratiometric recording of [Cl−]i are described, and these provide a technique for monitoring Cl-Sensor fluorescence in different cell types using conventional fluorescence microscopy set-ups (Friedel et al, 2013)
Summary
Photochromic switches and genetically encoded biosensors have become powerful tools for monitoring and modulating the activity of neurons and neuronal networks. Neuroscience is to provide an overview of the approaches in this area of research, and to present new applications in molecular imaging of ions and remote activation of receptors, ionic channels and synaptic networks. The issue contains experimental and methodological papers as well as review articles dealing with molecular tools for investigation and modulation of neuronal function.
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