ChrimsonR-tdTomato fusion protein (ChrimsonR-tdT)

ChrimsonR-tdTomato fusion protein is a genetically engineered construct combining ChrimsonR, a red-shifted channelrhodopsin (microbial opsin ion channel), fused to tdTomato, a red fluorescent protein[3][2]. This fusion allows both light-activated neural stimulation (via ChrimsonR's cation channel activity in response to red light) and visual labeling of expressing cells (via tdTomato fluorescence). ChrimsonR-tdTomato is primarily used as an optogenetic tool in research to evoke precise light-induced action potentials in neurons. The tdTomato moiety improves membrane trafficking and enhances fluorescent visualization, aiding in experimental monitoring and cell targeting[3]. This construct is extensively used in neuroscience and is being explored for restoring function in neurological diseases (e.g., optogenetic vision restoration), but it is not a therapeutic target in the pharmacological sense and has no known interacting drugs. Safety concerns relate to possible immunogenicity of the tdTomato protein and adverse effects from overexpression in vivo[1][2].

Other names

ChrimsonR-tdTChrimsonR-tdTomatoChrimsonR-tdTomato fusionChrimsonR fused to tdTomato

Conduction of cations (e.g., Na+, Ca2+) into cells in response to red light, causing membrane depolarization and neuron activation[3][2]