Optogenetics and the FLIPR: How to Use Light to Set up a Cav1.3 High-Throughput Screening Assay

A new generation high-throughput screening assay was developed using optogenetic methods. The FLIPR Tetra System optics were used to stimulate the light-activated cation channel, Channelrhodopsin-2. Light stimulation induced a robust and persistent membrane depolarization that efficiently activated the Cav1.3 voltage-gated calcium channel. Light was also used to study state-dependent blockers, thus providing a complete HTS solution for the study of an ion channel target using optogenetics for the first time using the FLIPR Tetra System.