CRC 1078/1: Gating and Ion Transport Dynamics in Channelrhodopsin and Light-Driven Pumps (SP B02)

During the recent funding period, we characterised anion-conducting channelrhodopsins (ACRs) including the novel family of MerMAIDs identified by Tara Ocean metagenomics. Within this funding period, we will further study MerMAIDs and continue with the recently identified viral ACRs and their relatives of their algal prasinophyte hosts. The second new focus of interest will be cryptophyte cation-conducting channelrhodopsins (CCRs) that show large photocurrents and relation to light-driven pumps. Our studies will provide a concise concept for light-activated uni- and bi-directional ion conductivities.