Bio-synthetic photostimulators and methods of use
US7144733B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC07K14/43581
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Cells are rendered sensitive to stimulation by introducing into a non-photoreceptor cell nucleic acid sequences encoding at least an opsin gene product, an arrestin gene product, and the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein of the Gq family. The introduced sequences are expressed by the cell to yield at least the opsin gene product, the arrestin gene product, and the alpha subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein of the Gq family. Retinal or a derivative thereof capable of bonding with the opsin gene product to form a rhodopsin is provided to the cell. The cell is then irradiated with light having a wavelength capable of converting the rhodopsin to metarhodopsin. The conversion of rhodopsin to metarhodopsin triggers a cascade of intracellular responses within the cell resulting in an increased intracellular concentration of IP3 and calcium ions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.