Channelrhodopsin2 current during the action potential: "optical AP clamp" and approximation

Sci Rep. 2014 Jul 25:4:5838. doi: 10.1038/srep05838.

Abstract

The most widely used optogenetic tool, Channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2), is both light- and voltage-sensitive. A light-triggered action potential or light-driven perturbations of ongoing electrical activity provide instant voltage feedback, shaping ChR2 current. Therefore, depending on the cell type and the light pulse duration, the typically reported voltage-clamp-measured ChR2 current traces are often not a good surrogate for the ChR2 current during optically-triggered action potentials. We discuss two experimental methods to reveal ChR2 current during an action potential: an "optical AP clamp" and its approximation employing measured current-voltage curve for ChR2. The methods are applicable to voltage- and light-sensitive ion currents operating in excitable cells, e.g. cardiomyocytes or neurons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Channelrhodopsins
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / cytology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / metabolism
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques

Substances

  • Channelrhodopsins