Development of an authentic light-activated calcium channel

Optogenetic-based genetically encoded Ca2+ actuators (GECA) have been developed to enable remote control of Ca2+ entry into cells. However, current blue light-dependent tools either lack high calcium selectivity or exhibit crosstalk with other targets, raising concerns about potential side effects. In this commentary, we present our successful design of a single-component optogenetic Ca2+ ion channel (LOCa) that selectively elevates cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration with high spatial and temporal resolution. Furthermore, LOCa has demonstrated promising applications in regulating Ca2+-dependent cellular physiological responses and investigating diseases through animal models.