Improving Channelrhodopsins for Optogentics
By: Lisa Paulsen '15
Advising Faculty: Marc Zimmer
This student is studying channelrhodopsin protein with Marc Zimmer. These algal proteins are used to activate individual brain cells with light. They are analyzing the protein via computational analysis to determine the torsion angles and optimal energies of the retinal molecule within the protein under various conditions. The aim is to computationally design more sensitive channelrhodopsins that can be used deeper in the brain than current ones.
Related Fields: Chemistry, Chemistry/ Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry