Optogenetics Comes of Age: Novel Inhibitory Light-Gated Anionic Channels Allow Efficient Silencing of Neural Function

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: A. Peralvárez-Marín, P. Garriga, Optogenetics Comes of Age: Novel Inhibitory Light-Gated Anionic Channels Allow Efficient Silencing of Neural Function. ChemBioChem 2016, 17, 204-206, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cbic.201500608. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving Optogenetics, the developing field of research that uses light-switchable biochemical tools in a sophisticated technological approach to monitor or control neural function, is rapidly evolving with the discovery and development of novel microbial rhodopsins. Light-absorbing membrane proteins, as tools for brain research, are promoting new applications within the discipline of optogenetics. Light-gated rhodopsin ion channels with better intrinsic light sensitivity and improved resolution are needed to overcome some of the current limitations of existing molecules. The recent discovery of light-gated inhibitory anion channels opens new opportunities for studying physiological neural processes and, at the same time, represent a powerful approach for elucidating the mechanisms of neurological and mental disorders that could benefit from this approach.