Light-Controlled Modulation of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors Using a Novel Subtype-Selective Photoswitchable Ligand

Abstract

Traditional pharmacology presents several limitations; particularly, the lack of selectivity at the site of action, leading to unwanted toxic systemic effects. However, in recent years, photopharmacology has emerged as a complementary approach to solve the long-standing issue of off-target toxicity outside the disease location. By designing drugs whose activity can be regulated by light, this strategy enables both selective and reversible modulation of both drug activation (where needed) and inactivation (where potentially toxic). Nonetheless, this research aims at further advancing the development of light-controllable pharmacological tools, improving the safety and efficacy of current treatments.