Genetically encoded mediators for sonogenetics and their applications in neuromodulation

Hsien-Chu Wang; Thi-Nhan Phan; Chi-Ling Kao; Chih-Kuang Yeh; Yu-Chun Lin

doi:10.3389/fncel.2023.1326279

Genetically encoded mediators for sonogenetics and their applications in neuromodulation

Front Cell Neurosci. 2023 Dec 22:17:1326279. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1326279. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Hsien-Chu Wang^#¹, Thi-Nhan Phan^#², Chi-Ling Kao¹, Chih-Kuang Yeh², Yu-Chun Lin^{1

3}

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
² Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
³ Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.

^# Contributed equally.

Abstract

Sonogenetics is an emerging approach that harnesses ultrasound for the manipulation of genetically modified cells. The great penetrability of ultrasound waves enables the non-invasive application of external stimuli to deep tissues, particularly advantageous for brain stimulation. Genetically encoded ultrasound mediators, a set of proteins that respond to ultrasound-induced bio-effects, play a critical role in determining the effectiveness and applications of sonogenetics. In this context, we will provide an overview of these ultrasound-responsive mediators, delve into the molecular mechanisms governing their response to ultrasound stimulation, and summarize their applications in neuromodulation.

Keywords: gas vesicles; mechanosensitive ion channels; prestin; sonogenetics; ultrasound.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Taiwan (MOST grant numbers 112-2636-B-007-008 and 112-2628-B-007-004 to Y-CL), and National Tsing Hua University (grant number 112Q2713E1 to Y-CL).