Molecular probes and switches for functional analysis of receptors, ion channels and synaptic networks

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Editorial

13 December 2013

Molecular probes and switches for functional analysis of receptors, ion channels and synaptic networks

Pau Gorostiza

,

Daniele Arosio

and

Piotr Bregestovski

5,395 views

4 citations

Editors

3

Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)

National Research Council (CNR)

Piotr Bregestovski

Aix-Marseille Université

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Photochromic switches and genetically encoded biosensors have become powerful tools to modulate the activity of neurons and neuronal networks. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and functioning of the nervous system has greatly advanced in recent years due to the application of these powerful molecular and genetic tools. Remote sensors allow probing localisation and function of specific neuronal proteins, cells and networks, as well as non-invasive monitoring of ions, specific proteins and enzymes. Photocontrolled molecular constructs allow switching on and off the activity of specific proteins and controlling the excitation and inhibition of neurons with high temporal and spatial resolution. These research areas expand extremely rapidly and a number of new approaches for image analysis of various proteins in living cells are being developed. The Research Topic aims to bring together experts in the field and welcome articles or topical reviewers to present breakthrough observations and application of new tools for molecular imaging and remote activation of receptors, ionic channels and synaptic networks.

Photochromic switches and genetically encoded biosensors have become powerful tools to modulate the activity of neurons and neuronal networks. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and functioning of the nervous system has greatly advanced in recent years due to the application of these powerful molecular and genetic tools. Remote sensors allow probing localisation and function of specific neuronal proteins, cells and networks, as well as non-invasive monitoring of ions, specific proteins and enzymes. Photocontrolled molecular constructs allow switching on and off the activity of specific proteins and controlling the excitation and inhibition of neurons with high temporal and spatial resolution. These research areas expand extremely rapidly and a number of new approaches for image analysis of various proteins in living cells are being developed. The Research Topic aims to bring together experts in the field and welcome articles or topical reviewers to present breakthrough observations and application of new tools for molecular imaging and remote activation of receptors, ionic channels and synaptic networks.

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Editors

Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)

National Research Council (CNR)

Piotr Bregestovski

Aix-Marseille Université

Impact

202,566 Total views

157,175 Article views

42,177 Article downloads

3,214 Topic views

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Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience

Molecular Neuroscience Archive, Molecular Signalling and Pathways, Methods and Model Organisms, Pain Mechanisms and Modulators

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