Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are algal light-gated ion channels used as optogenetic tools for manipulating neuronal activity. Here authors present a metagenomically identified family of phylogenetically distinct anion-conducting ChRs (MerMAIDs) which desensitize during continuous illumination due to accumulation of a non-conducting photointermediate.
- Johannes Oppermann
- Paul Fischer
- Jonas Wietek
