M. Konno

Structural basis for ion selectivity in potassium-selective channelrhodopsins

The paper determines the cryo-EM structures of two K+-selective channelrhodopsins, revealing a unique mechanism for K+ selectivity distinct from canonical K+ channels.

Energy transfer in ubiquitous rhodopsin pumps with xanthophyll antennas

The paper detects energy transfer from hydroxylated carotenoids to rhodopsin proton pumps in marine and freshwater bacteria.

Proton-transporting heliorhodopsins from marine giant viruses

This paper identifies a light-gated proton channel in a viral heliorhodopsin from Emiliania huxleyi virus 202, showing its potential role in host manipulation and optogenetic applications.

Saccharibacteria harness light energy using Type-1 rhodopsins that may rely on retinal sourced from microbial hosts

The paper identifies Saccharibacteria using Type-1 rhodopsins that pump protons and rely on retinal from microbial hosts, suggesting a symbiotic relationship for energy generation.

Structural basis for channel conduction in the pump-like channelrhodopsin ChRmine

The paper presents the cryo-EM structure of ChRmine, revealing unique architectural features and provides insights into its conduction mechanism and potential for optogenetic applications.

Crystal structure of schizorhodopsin reveals mechanism of inward proton pumping

The paper reports the crystal structure of schizorhodopsin, revealing its mechanism of inward proton pumping and differences from xenorhodopsins.

Exploration of natural red-shifted rhodopsins using a machine learning-based Bayesian experimental design

The paper uses a machine learning model to identify red-shifted rhodopsins, finding 80% of selected candidates show red-shift gains, with some having desirable ion-transporting properties.