Platymonas subcordiformis Channelrhodopsin CatCh2.0 (PsCatCh2.0)

PsCatCh2.0 is an engineered, light-gated cation channel derived from the microbial opsin of the green alga Platymonas subcordiformis, specifically optimized for optogenetic vision restoration (Bionic Sight, 2021; Govorunova et al., 2013). It is designed to be expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) via adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery, allowing these cells to function as primary photosensors in the absence of healthy rods and cones (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04278131). The CatCh (Calcium-transmitting Channelrhodopsin) modification significantly increases the channel's calcium permeability and light sensitivity, enabling activation at lower light intensities while maintaining the fast kinetics necessary for high-resolution temporal vision (Kleinlogel et al., 2011). The 2.0 version incorporates further proprietary optimizations for enhanced protein expression and membrane trafficking in human neurons (Bionic Sight, 2021). By facilitating light-induced membrane depolarization and subsequent neural firing, PsCatCh2.0 restores the retina's ability to transmit visual signals to the brain in patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa (Bionic Sight, 2021). This optogenetic approach represents a significant advancement in treating profound blindness by targeting surviving downstream neurons rather than attempting to repair or replace damaged photoreceptors (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04278131).

Other names

PsChR-L132CPlatymonas subcordiformis channelrhodopsin variantCatCh2.0PsCatCh

Light-activated cation influx leading to depolarization of retinal ganglion cells