Fluorescent proteins that self-assemble and localize in the neuron membrane are vital in neurosciences, particularly in optogenetics applications. Here the authors present a quantum-mechanics/molecular mechanics model for the photoisomerization of the natural highly fluorescent Neorhodopsin, explaining the highly fluorescent quantum yield that could lead to effective visualization of neural signals.
- Riccardo Palombo
- Leonardo Barneschi
- Massimo Olivucci