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1: Science. 2002 Jun 28;296(5577):2395-8.Click here to read Links

Channelrhodopsin-1: a light-gated proton channel in green algae.

Nagel G, Ollig D, Fuhrmann M, Kateriya S, Musti AM, Bamberg E, Hegemann P.

Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysik, Kennedyallee 70, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. nagel@mpibp-frankfurt.mpg.de

Phototaxis and photophobic responses of green algae are mediated by rhodopsins with microbial-type chromophores. We report a complementary DNA sequence in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii that encodes a microbial opsin-related protein, which we term Channelopsin-1. The hydrophobic core region of the protein shows homology to the light-activated proton pump bacteriorhodopsin. Expression of Channelopsin-1, or only the hydrophobic core, in Xenopus laevis oocytes in the presence of all-trans retinal produces a light-gated conductance that shows characteristics of a channel selectively permeable for protons. We suggest that Channelrhodopsins are involved in phototaxis of green algae.

PMID: 12089443 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]