Max-planck-gesellschaft Zur F&#xf6;rderung Der Wissenschaften E. V.

Georg Nagel

Peter Hegemann

Ernst Bamberg

A biological photoreceptor, which is a directly light-controlled ion channel, including (i) an apoprotein and (ii) a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, the polyene interacting with the apoprotein and functioning as a direct light-sensitive gate.

Use of biological photoreceptors as directly light-activated ion channels

Use of a biological photoreceptor as light-controlled ion channel for the alteration of the ion conductivity of a membrane by means of light. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, said polyene interacting with the apoprotein and functioning as a light-sensitive gate.

The invention is directed to a method for altering the ion conductivity of a membrane. The method comprises inserting a biological photoreceptor into the membrane. The biological photoreceptor is configured to act as a light-controlled ion channel. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, wherein the polyene interacts with the apoprotein and functions as a light-sensitive gate.

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Wuerzburg, Germany

Georg Nagel