Ultrasound modulation of neurons by sonogenetics

Abstract

Focused ultrasound (FUS) can noninvasively deliver ultrasound energy to target any area in the whole brain with combined depth penetration and spatial focusing that cannot be achieved with other external stimulations. Sonogenetics, integrating focused ultrasound with genetic engineering, can achieve noninvasive control of neurons genetically modified with ultrasound-sensitive ion channels. Crucial to the development of sonogenetics has been the identification of ultrasound-sensitive probes to control neurons. FUS propagation through the tissue can generate mechanical and thermal effects within its focal region. This talk will present recent progress in the development of mechanosensitive and thermosensitive ion channels as sonogenetic probes. Recent success in using sonogenetics for noninvasive and cell-type-specific behavior control of freely moving mice will also be presented. This noninvasive and cell-type-specific neuromodulation approach has the promise to advance the study of the intact nervous system and uncover new ways to treat neurological disorders.