Chemogenetics Plasmid Collection

Chemogenetics plasmids encode genetically engineered receptors that are activated by specific small molecules, allowing a scientist to control signaling within cells expressing these engineered receptors. Chemogenetic receptors are popular in neuroscience, where they can be used to interrogate brain function and examine the relationship between neuronal signaling and behavior. Depending on the signaling pathway the engineered receptor is coupled to and the specific cell type where the receptor is expressed, these receptors can be used to artificially activate or inhibit specific biological processes.

Addgene’s collection contains two main classes of chemogenetic receptors: Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) and Pharmacologically Selective Actuator Modules (PSAMs). DREADDs are the most widely used chemogenetic receptors and are G-coupled protein receptors that have been engineered to respond to specific physiologically inert small molecules. There are four types DREADDs in Addgene’s collection: hMD3 (Gq), rMD3 (Gs), hMD4 (Gi) and KORD. hMD3(Gq), rMD3(Gs), and hMD4(Gi) are all based on muscarinic receptors and couple to the Gi, Gq, or Gs G-proteins, respectively. KORD is derived from the κ-opoid receptor and couples to the Gi G-protein. hMD3(Gq) and rMD3(Gs) are activating, while hMD4(Gi) and KORD are inhibitory.

PSAMs are engineered α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) domains that respond specifically to small molecules termed Pharmacologically Selective Effector Molecules (PSEMs). PSAMs are coupled to an ion pore domain to create a ligand-gated ion channel. Whether a PSAM is activating or inhibitory depends on the ion pore domain it is coupled to. Addgene has two main types of PSAMs: 5HT3 coupled, which are activating, and Gly-coupled, which are inhibitory.

Another recently developed class of tools are Luminopsins (LMOs), or luminescent opsins: fusion proteins of a light-emitting luciferase and a light-sensing optogenetic element, making a bimodal opto-chemogenetic actuator. When the luciferase enzyme oxidizes its substrate (luciferin), it generates light that activates the opsin to either excite or inhibit the target neuron.

For more detailed descriptions of chemogenetic receptors, ligands, and how to use these tools in your experiments, please see our Chemogenetics Guide.

Chemogenetics Plasmids

Browse, sort, or search this table to find chemogenetics plasmids in our collection. For example, search for "hM4D mCherry", "KORD AAV", "LMO", "Sternson", or other terms.

Looking for viral preps? We also offer ready-to-use AAV preparations of many chemogenetics plasmids.