A photoswitchable neurotransmitter analogue bound to its receptor

Alwin Reiter, Arne Skerra, Dirk Trauner, André Schiefner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Incorporation of the azobenzene derivative gluazo, a synthetic photochromic ligand, into a kainate receptor allows for the optical control of neuronal activity. The crystal structure of gluazo bound to a dimeric GluK2 ligand-binding domain reveals one monomer in a closed conformation, occupied by gluazo, and the other in an open conformation, with a bound buffer molecule. The glutamate group of gluazo interacts like the natural glutamate ligand, while its trans-azobenzene moiety protrudes into a tunnel. This elongated cavity presumably cannot accommodate a cis-azobenzene, which explains the reversible activation of the receptor upon photoisomerization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8972-8974
Number of pages3
JournalBiochemistry
Volume52
Issue number50
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 17 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry

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