International Summer School PROGRAM - Laboratoire d'Infochimie ...

“Light and Molecular Design in Biological Applications”
1
Piotr Bregestovski
INSERM U 751, 13385 Marseille, France
piotr.bregestovski@univmed.fr
Photochromic switches and genetically encoded biosensors become a
powerful tools for modulation activity of neurons and neuronal networks. Our
understanding the mechanisms underlying development and functioning of
the nervous system has greatly advanced in recent years due to the
development of these powerful molecular and genetic tools. Remote sensors
allow to probe localisation and function of various neuronal proteins, cells and
networks. Controlled by light molecular consctructs allow to switch on and off
the activity of specific proteins and to control the excitation of neurons with
high temporal and spatial resolution. A number of light-sensitive biosensors
for non-invasive monitoring of ions and enzymes has been developed. These
molecular designs expand extremely rapidly and a number of new
approaches for image analysis of various proteins in living cells has being
proposed. Resent observations and application of new tools for molecular
imaging and remote activation of receptors, ionic channels and synaptic
networks will be presented.