Optical Control Of Neuronal Activities With Photoswitchable Nanovesicles

Xiong, H.; Alberto, K. A.; Youn, J.; Taura, J.; Morstein, J.; Li, X.; Wang, Y.; Trauner, D.; Slesinger, P. A.; Nielsen, S. O.; Qin, Z.

doi:10.1101/2022.06.10.495373

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.06.10.495373

Optical Control Of Neuronal Activities With Photoswitchable Nanovesicles

Xiong, H.·Alberto, K. A.·Youn, J.·Taura, J.·Morstein, J.·Li, X.·Wang, Y.·Trauner, D.·Slesinger, P. A.·Nielsen, S. O.·Qin, Z.

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Abstract

Precise modulation of neuronal activity by neuroactive molecules is essential for understanding brain circuits and behavior. However, tools for highly controllable molecular release are lacking. Here, we developed a photoswitchable nanovesicle with azobenzene-containing phosphatidylcholine (azo-PC), coined azosome, for neuromodulation. Irradiation with 365 nm light triggers the trans-to-cis isomerization of azo-PC, resulting in a disordered lipid bilayer with decreased thickness and cargo release. Irradiation with 455 nm light induces reverse isomerization and switches the release off. Real-time fluorescence imaging shows controllable and repeatable cargo release within seconds (< 3 s). Importantly, we demonstrate that SKF-81297, a dopamine D1-receptor agonist, can be released from the azosome to activate cultures of primary striatal neurons. Azosome shows promise in precise optical control over the molecular release and can be a valuable tool for molecular neuroscience studies.

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Xiong, H., Alberto, K. A., Youn, J., Taura, J., Morstein, J., Li, X., Wang, Y., Trauner, D., Slesinger, P. A., Nielsen, S. O., Qin, Z.. 2022-06-12. Optical Control Of Neuronal Activities With Photoswitchable Nanovesicles. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.06.10.495373

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