GATTA , Elena

Caged compounds, widely diffused in neurophysiology, are molecules biologically or functionally inert until a short pulse of light enables them. Illumination releases the caged effector allowing the activation, manipulation, and control of selective biological functions and variations. in particular, 3D two-photon excitation microscopy, coupled...

The study of the GABAA receptor itself and its pharmacology is of paramount importance for shedding light on the role of this receptor in the central nervous system. Caged compounds have emerged as powerful tools to support research in this field, as they allow to control, in space and time, the release of neurotransmitters enabling, for...

RuBi GABA is a photoactivatable molecule whose activity can be controlled by a pulse of light. These probe compounds are prepared via covalent appendage of a light-sensitive protecting group "the cage" (RuBi) to a signaling molecule (GABA). With the cage bound, the signaling molecule is unable to activate its receptor [Diana D., J Am Chem Soc.,...