Lateral Gene Transfer of Anion-Conducting Channelrhodopsins between Green Algae and Giant Viruses

Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light-gated ion channels widely used as optogenetic tools for manipulating neuronal activity. The currently characterized ChR families include green algal and cryptophyte cation-conducting ChRs (CCRs) and cryptophyte, haptophyte, and stramenopile anion-conducting ChRs (A...

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Veröffentlicht in:Current biology 2020-12, Vol.30 (24), p.4910-4920.e5
Hauptverfasser: Rozenberg, Andrey, Oppermann, Johannes, Wietek, Jonas, Fernandez Lahore, Rodrigo Gaston, Sandaa, Ruth-Anne, Bratbak, Gunnar, Hegemann, Peter, Béjà, Oded
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light-gated ion channels widely used as optogenetic tools for manipulating neuronal activity. The currently characterized ChR families include green algal and cryptophyte cation-conducting ChRs (CCRs) and cryptophyte, haptophyte, and stramenopile anion-conducting ChRs (ACRs). Here, we report the discovery of a new family of phylogenetically distinct ChRs encoded by marine giant viruses and acquired from their unicellular green algal hosts. These previously unknown viral and green algal ChRs act as ACRs when expressed in cultured neuroblastoma-derived cells and are likely involved in behavioral responses to light. [Display omitted] •Giant viruses contain channelrhodopsin (ChR) genes•Viruses acquired the ChR genes from green algae•The viral ChRs and their algal homologs act as anion-conducting channels•These rhodopsins represent a new distinct family of ChRs Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light-gated ion channels. Using metagenomics and electrophysiology, Rozenberg, Oppermann, et al. describe a new family of anion-conducting ChRs encoded by giant viruses and acquired from their unicellular green algal hosts. These previously unknown ChRs are likely involved in behavioral responses to light.
ISSN:0960-9822
1879-0445
DOI:10.1016/j.cub.2020.09.056