Non-invasive optical control of endogenous Ca2+ channels in awake mice

Abstract

Optogenetic approaches for controlling Ca2+ channels provide powerful means for modulating diverse Ca2+-specific biological events in space and time. However, blue light-responsive photoreceptors are, in principle, considered inadequate for deep tissue stimulation unless accompanied by optic fiber insertion. Here, we present an ultra-light-sensitive optogenetic Ca2+ modulator, named monSTIM1 encompassing engineered cryptochrome2 for manipulating Ca2+ signaling in the brain of awake mice through non-invasive light delivery. Activation of monSTIM1 in either excitatory neurons or astrocytes of mice brain is able to induce Ca2+-dependent gene expression without any mechanical damage in the brain. Furthermore, we demonstrate that non-invasive Ca2+ modulation in neurons can be sufficiently and effectively translated into changes in behavioral phenotypes of awake mice. Optogenetic applications in the brain of live animals often require the use of optic fibers due to poor tissue-penetration of blue light. Here the authors present monSTIM1, an improved high sensitivity optogenetic tool able to modulate Ca2+ signaling in the brain of awake mice using non-invasive light stimulation.