SyncroPatch 384 – Dr. Elena G. Govorunova

Our lab is focused on exploration of natural channelrhodopsin diversity and conduction mechanisms, and on the development of new optogenetic tools by molecular engineering. There are ~800 natural channelrhodopsin variants already known and many more are being discovered by global DNA sequencing projects, and their engineering for the needs of optogenetics creates thousands of mutants to be tested. Using a high-throughput platform such as the SyncroPatch has greatly facilitated our research, as it allows probing many different variants simultaneously. The SyncroPatch instrument grant has provided us with a unique opportunity to thoroughly test the machine in our own laboratory and to collect preliminary data to apply for the funds to purchase it. I would like to highlight the exceptional level of support from Nanion scientists and engineers throughout the entire period of our use of their equipment, which has been indispensable for the success of our studies.