PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Wurz, Anna I.
AU  - Bunner, Wyatt Paul
AU  - Szatmari, Erzsebet M.
AU  - Hughes, Robert M.
TI  - CRY-BARs: Versatile light-gated molecular tools for the remodeling of membrane architectures
AID  - 10.1101/2022.01.28.478241
DP  - 2022 Jan 01
TA  - bioRxiv
PG  - 2022.01.28.478241
4099  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2022/01/28/2022.01.28.478241.short
4100  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2022/01/28/2022.01.28.478241.full
AB  - BAR (Bin, Amphiphysin and Rvs) protein domains are responsible for the generation of membrane curvature and represent a critical mechanical component of cellular functions. Thus, BAR domains have great potential as components of membrane-remodeling tools for cell biologists. In this work, we describe the design and implementation of a family of versatile light-gated I-BAR domain containing tools (‘CRY-BARs’) with applications in the remodeling of membrane architectures and the control of cellular dynamics. By taking advantage of the intrinsic membrane binding propensity of the I-BAR domain, CRY-BARs can be used for spatial and temporal control of cellular processes that require induction of membrane protrusions. Using cell lines and primary neuron cultures, we demonstrate that the CRY-BAR optogenetic tool reports membrane dynamic changes associated with cellular activity. Moreover, we provide evidence that Ezrin acts as a relay between the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton and therefore is an important mediator of switch function. Overall, CRY-BARs hold promise as a useful addition to the optogenetic toolkit to study membrane remodeling in live cells.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.