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Optical Control of G-Actin with a Photoswitchable Latrunculin.
Vepřek et al., J Am Chem Soc 2024
<!– DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c10776 //–>
https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.3c10776
This study introduces OptoLat, a novel photoswitchable version of latrunculin, which offers light-dependent control over actin polymerization by binding to G-actin. Unlike traditional latrunculins that continuously affect actin dynamics, OptoLat can be activated by 390-490 nm pulsed light and reverts to its inactive state in the dark. This unique feature was demonstrated through experiments showing OptoLat‘s ability to induce F-actin depolymerization in oligodendrocytes and budding yeast, control actin dynamics in human cancer cell lines, and reduce microglia surveillance in mouse brain slices without affecting their ramification, all under light activation. The inactive state of OptoLat in the dark ensures that it does not compromise the structural and functional integrity of microglia. This development is significant as it provides a powerful tool for the precise investigation of G-actin dependent cellular processes, enhancing our understanding of actin dynamics with spatial and temporal specificity.