CAG-ChR2-YFP AAV (Serotype 1)

CAG-ChR2-YFP AAV (serotype 1) is a viral vector used in the field of optogenetics to precisely control neuronal activity via light stimulation. This viral vector is engineered to express the light-activated cation channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) under the control of the CAG promoter. The combination of these elements enables both optogenetic manipulation and visualization of target neurons. The CAG promoter is a hybrid promoter known for its potent and ubiquitous expression in mammalian cells, ensuring stable expression of the ChR2-YFP fusion protein. ChR2 was originally discovered in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and belongs to the family of channelrhodopsins, a class of proteins that act as light-gated cation channels. When exposed to blue light, ChR2 undergoes a conformational change that allows cations such as sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) to flow across the cell membrane, resulting in cell depolarization. This mechanism makes ChR2 ideal for controlling neuronal activity with high temporal precision. By introducing the ChR2 gene into specific neurons, researchers can precisely activate these cells using light, allowing them to study neural circuits and manipulate animal behavior in a controlled manner. This has important implications for understanding brain function, mapping neural circuits, and developing treatments for neurological diseases.