Ultra light-sensitive and fast neuronal activation with the Ca²+-permeable channelrhodopsin CatCh.

The light-gated cation channel channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) has rapidly become an important tool in neuroscience, and its use is being considered in therapeutic interventions. Although wild-type and known variant ChR2s are able to drive light-activated spike trains, their use in potential clinical applications is limited by either low light sensitivity or slow channel kinetics. We present a new variant, calcium translocating channelrhodopsin (CatCh), which mediates an accelerated response time and a voltage response that is ~70-fold more light sensitive than that of wild-type ChR2. CatCh's superior properties stem from its enhanced Ca²(+) permeability. An increase in [Ca²(+)](i) elevates the internal surface potential, facilitating activation of voltage-gated Na(+) channels and indirectly increasing light sensitivity. Repolarization following light-stimulation is markedly accelerated by Ca²(+)-dependent BK channel activation. Our results demonstrate a previously unknown principle: shifting permeability from monovalent to divalent cations to increase sensitivity without compromising fast kinetics of neuronal activation. This paves the way for clinical use of light-gated channels.

Effects of alpha-asarone on the glutamate transporter EAAC1 in Xenopus oocytes.

The major excitatory neurotransmitter transporter EAAC1 in the mammalian central nervous system is considered a possible target for Chinese herbal medicine. Extracts of Acorus tatarinowii (Schott) were tested for their effects on EAAC1 activity. XENOPUS oocytes with heterologously expressed EAAC1 were used as the model system. Rate of glutamate uptake was determined by means of the isotopic tracer technique. Glutamate-induced current was recorded under a two-electrode voltage clamp. As a highly effective component, alpha-asarone was identified. The rate of glutamate uptake was stimulated by 200 microM of alpha-asarone by about 15 %. In contrast, the same concentration reduced the EAAC1-mediated current by about 35 % at a holding potential of - 60 mV; half maximum inhibition was obtained at about 60 microM. Our experimental data suggest that both stimulation of glutamate uptake and inhibition of EAAC1-mediated current by alpha-asarone could contribute to reduced excitatory activity.

Effects of α-Asarone on the Neuronal Glutamate Transporter EAAC1 / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: α-asarone is a major effective component that can be isolated from Acorus tatarinowii Schott,a Chinese herbal medicine. Clinical investigations have shown that α-asarone has strong sedative and anti-convulsive action in the central nervous system. In recent years, several medicines containing a-asarone were applied in treatment of asthma, bronchitis, expectorant, or epilepsy. However, the underlying cellular mechanism of ct-asarone is still unknown. Here the authors considered EAAC1, the transporter for the excitatory glutamate, as a possible target. Methods: Supercritical CO2 fluid extraction and silica gel column chromatography were used to obtain ct-asarone from the rhizomes of Acorus tatarinowii Schott. Xenopus oocytes with heterologously expressed EAAC 1 were used as a model system. Rate of glutamate uptake was measured by means of isotopic tracer technique. Glutamate-induced current was recorded under two-electrode voltage clamp. 40μg/mL of ct-asarone was used for testing its effect on EAAC1 activity. Results: ct-asarone induced a slight, but still significant stimulation of rate of glutamate uptake by 15%. In contrast, EAACl-mediated current became reduced (by 30% at -100 mV). Since EAAC 1 can operate in transport and also in an ion-channel mode, the result indicates strong inhibition of the channel mode. This inhibition is voltage-dependent becoming larger at more negative potentials. Conclusion: The stimulation of glutamate uptake reduces glutamate concentration in the synaptic cleft and, hence, reduces excitatory synaptic activity. The inhibition on the ion-channel mode stabilizes the membrane potential, and therefore, also contributes to reduced excitatory activity.