Photolysis of Caged Compounds: Studying Ca²⁺ Signaling and Activation of Ca²⁺-Dependent Ion Channels

Abstract

A wide variety of signaling molecules have been chemically modified by conjugation to a photolabile chromophore to render the substance temporarily biologically inert. Subsequent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can release the active moiety from the “caged” precursor in an experimentally controlled manner. This allows the concentration of active molecule to be precisely manipulated in both time and space. These techniques are particularly useful in experimental protocols designed to investigate the mechanisms underlying Ca²⁺ signaling and the activation of Ca²⁺-dependent effectors.