NpHR corresponds to the light-gated chloride pump encoded by the Natronomonas pharaonis NpHR gene (UniProtKB:P15647). It can be used as an optogenetic tool to induce membrane hyperpolarization and inhibit neuron activity. The formation of a functional channel requires the presence of a covalently linked all-trans-retinal chromophore which can be provided exogenously if necessary via the culture medium or diet (this cofactor is present endogenously in some intact vertebrate systems). For detailed kinetic and spectral properties, see PMID:17410168.