CAG-ChR2-YFP AAV (Serotype 6)

Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) is a blue light-activated membrane protein and ion channel that belongs to the channelrhodopsin subfamily of retinoic acid. ChR2 is derived from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and is widely known for its key role in optogenetics. Functionally, ChR2 acts as a light-gated cation channel that allows ions such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca2+) to cross the cell membrane when exposed to blue light (primarily around 480 nm). The opening of this channel results in a change in membrane potential, allowing researchers to effectively control the electrical activity of neurons with high temporal precision in the millisecond range. The direct opening of the ion channel (a feature that differs from typical G protein-coupled receptors) enables ChR2 to rapidly depolarize cells, making it very useful in experiments aimed at understanding brain function and therapeutic interventions. The discovery and use of ChR2 has dramatically changed neuroscience. By incorporating ChR2 into specific neural populations, researchers can optically stimulate neurons in a controlled manner, facilitating the study of neural circuits and brain function. One of the major breakthroughs achieved with ChR2 is the mapping and control of neural networks, which has provided insights into diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.