Neuroscience: Algae are the best engineers of optogenetic inhibitors

Abstract

Anion channelrhodopsins, recently discovered in cryptophyte algae, can be used as highly efficient optogenetic tools to inhibit neurons.

Optogenetic tools such as channel-rhodopsin 2 (ChR2) have been widely and successfully used to stimulate neural activity in response to light. In contrast, inhibitory tools are much less efficient at silencing neurons. John Spudich and colleagues at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston have now discovered naturally occurring anion channelrhodopsins (ACRs) in the alga Guillardia theta that can act as highly potent optogenetic inhibitors in neurons.