|
A “caged” molecule is a biologically inactive but photosensitive precursor that is rapidly transformed into a fully bio-active molecule upon exposure to a flash of light. The bio-active molecule that is thus generated acts as a biochemical trigger — it can be a hormone, a neurotransmitter, a second messenger, or an enzyme modulator. Therefore, in combination with focused light pulses, caged molecules represent a simple methodology for controlling biology in living cells or tissues with excellent temporal and spatial resolution. I will present examples of how this technology enables us to use light to manipulate neurotransmission at single synapses, to stimulate single sensory nerve terminals, to perturb intracellular calcium signaling and cardiac muscle contraction, and to trigger gene expression.
|
|