Near-infrared (NIR) up-conversion optogenetics.

ABSTRACT: Non-invasive remote control technologies designed to manipulate neural functions have been long-awaited for the comprehensive and quantitative understanding of neuronal network in the brain as well as for the therapy of neurological disorders. Recently, it has become possible for the neuronal activity to be optically manipulated using biological photo-reactive molecules such as channelrhodopsin (ChR)-2. However, ChR2 and its relatives are mostly reactive to visible light, which does not effectively penetrate through biological tissues. In contrast, near-infrared (NIR) light (650-1450 nm) penetrates deep into the tissues because biological systems are almost transparent to light within this so-called 'imaging window'. Here we used lanthanide nanoparticles (LNPs), composed of rare-earth elem

SUBMITTER: Hososhima S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4639720 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature