Abstract: A biological photoreceptor, which is a directly light-controlled ion channel, including (i) an apoprotein and (ii) a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, the polyene interacting with the apoprotein and functioning as a direct light-sensitive gate.

Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo or in vitro, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. One example involves a vector for delivering a light-activated molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for light-activated molecule. The light-activated molecule includes a modification to a location near the all-trans retinal Schiff base, e.g., to extends the duration time of the open state. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems, methods, kits, compositions of matter and molecules for ion channels or pumps or for controlling currents in a cell (e.g., in vivo or in vitro environments).

Abstract: Use of a biological photoreceptor as light-controlled ion channel for the alteration of the ion conductivity of a membrane by means of light. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, said polyene interacting with the apoprotein and functioning as a light-sensitive gate.

Abstract: Use of a biological photoreceptor as light-controlled ion channel for the alteration of the ion conductivity of a membrane by means of light. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, said polyene interacting with the apoprotein and functioning as a light-sensitive gate.

Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo or in vitro, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. One example involves a vector for delivering a light-activated molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for light-activated molecule. The light-activated molecule includes a modification to a location near the all-trans retinal Schiff base, e.g., to extends the duration time of the open state. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems, methods, kits, compositions of matter and molecules for ion channels or pumps or for controlling currents in a cell (e.g., in in vivo and in vitro environments).

Abstract: Use of a biological photoreceptor as light-controlled ion channel for the alteration of the ion conductivity of a membrane by means of light. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, said polyene interacting with the apoprotein and functioning as a light-sensitive gate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for altering the ion conductivity of a membrane. The method comprises inserting a biological photoreceptor into the membrane. The biological photoreceptor is configured to act as a light-controlled ion channel. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, wherein the polyene interacts with the apoprotein and functions as a light-sensitive gate.

Abstract: Gene targeting allows the deletion (knock out), the repair (rescuing) and the modification (gene mutation) of a selected gene and the functional analysis of any gene of interest. Targeting of nuclear genes has been a very inefficient process in most eukaryotes including plants and animals due to the dominance of illegitimate integration of the applied DNA into non-homologous regions of the genome. The present invention provides a method for increasing the ratio of homologous to non-homologous recombination of a polynucleotide into a host cell's DNA by suppressing non-homologous recombination. Surprisingly, the number of non-homologous recombination events can be reduced if the polynucleotide is applied as a purified single-stranded DNA, preferably coated with a single strand binding protein.

Abstract: Use of a biological photoreceptor as light-controlled ion channel for the alteration of the ion conductivity of a membrane by means of light. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, said polyene interacting with the apoprotein and functioning as a light-sensitive gate.

Abstract: The conventional synthesis of nucleic acid polymers from several oligonucleotides comprises several cycles of intermediate product synthesis, purification of the intermediate products and synthesis of a full length product (up to a maximum length of approximately 1000 nucleotides). The novel method shall be carried out in one reaction step and result in nucleic acid polymers of more than 1000 nucleotides. According to the invention, two or more linkable oligonucleotides are provided that in a continuous arrangement and after linkage can form a primary strand, and one or more non-linkable oligonucleotides are provided, each of the non-linkable oligonucleotides comprising two adjoining regions, the first of which is complementary to the 3′ end of a linkable oligonucleotide and the second of which is complementary to the 5′ end of a further linkable oligonucleotide.