Calcium-modulated rhodopsin-like opsin (CaMeRaOpsin)

Calcium-modulated rhodopsin-like opsin (CaMeRaOpsin) is an engineered, chimeric optogenetic protein designed to restore vision in patients with outer retinal degeneration, such as retinitis pigmentosa. It is typically delivered via gene therapy to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which remain functional even after the loss of primary photoreceptors (rods and cones). CaMeRaOpsin is unique because its light sensitivity and signaling kinetics are modulated by intracellular calcium levels, mimicking the natural adaptation processes of native photoreceptors. When activated by light, the opsin triggers a G protein-coupled signaling cascade that leads to neuronal firing in the RGCs, effectively bypassing the damaged photoreceptor layer to send visual information to the brain. This approach aims to provide a high-sensitivity, adaptive visual restoration therapy that can function under varying ambient light conditions.

Other names

CaMeRaCalcium-modulated opsinEngineered optogenetic opsinChimeric rhodopsin-like protein

Light-driven activation of the opsin protein expressed in retinal ganglion cells to trigger intracellular signaling cascades and restore visual sensitivity in degenerate retinas.