PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide compositions comprising non-human animals comprising neurons expressing stabilized step function opsin (SSFO) proteins on neural plasma membranes, and methods of using the same to selectively depolarize neurons residing in microcircuits of the pre-frontal cortex to affect one or more types of social behavior, communication, and/or conditioned behavior in the non-human animal.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a non-human animal comprising a first light-activated cation channel protein expressed in neurons of the pre-frontal cortex. The protein is capable of inducing depolarizing current in the neurons by light and exhibits rapid step-like activation in response to a single pulse of light having a first wavelength and deactivation in response to a pulse of light having a second wavelength. The depolarizing current in the neurons is maintained for at least about 10 minutes. The activation of the protein in the pre-frontal cortex neurons induces changes in social behavior, communication, and/or conditioned behavior in the animal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
STABILIZED STEP FUNCTION OPSIN PROTEINS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME