Sonogenetics
Sonogenetics uses ultrasound to modulate neurons that express mechanosensitive ion channels. The implementation includes 1) making the targeted neurons overexpress with mechanosensitive ion channels by genetic modification. Then, after the expression of the mechanosensitive ion channels in the targeted cell type of specific brain region, ultrasound from 2) dedicated ultrasound beam to activate these ion channels are administrated into the brain region non-invasively through the skull. The non-invasiveness of sonogenetics makes it promising for eventual clinical translation, while the cell-type selectivity could facilitate the elucidation and management of neural circuits involved in specific behaviors or neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Nanoparticle-mediated ultrasound modulation
Ultrasound is a promising new modality for non-invasive neuromodulation. However, given the relatively low frequencies of ultrasound required to successfully pass through an intact skull, the corresponding diffraction-limited spatial resolution would be in the millimeter to centimeter range. One way to achieve this aim is through the use of nanoparticles as localized force actuators. Acoustic nanoparticles would be a candidate for such an ultrasound actuator for precise neuromodulation. We developed nanobubbles, called gas vesicles (GVs), they can oscillate under ultrasound field and transmit mechanical perturbations to the surrounding environment. The presence of GVs could thus lower the threshold for ultrasound to successfully stimulate neurons by mediating the localized transmission of mechanical energy.
