Subsecond multichannel magnetic control of select neural circuits in freely moving flies.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Precisely timed activation of genetically targeted cells is a powerful tool for the study of neural circuits and control of cell-based therapies. Magnetic control of cell activity, or 'magnetogenetics', using magnetic nanoparticle heating of temperature-sensitive ion channels enables remote, non-invasive activation of neurons for deep-tissue applications and freely behaving animal studies. However, the in vivo response time of thermal magnetogenetics is currently tens of seconds, which prevents precise temporal modulation of neural activity. Moreover, magnetogenetics has yet to achieve in vivo multiplexed stimulation of different groups of neurons. Here we produce subsecond behavioural responses in Drosophila melanogaster by combining magnetic nanoparticles with a rate-sensitive thermoreceptor (TRPA1-A). Furthermore, by tuning magnetic nanoparticles to respond to different magnetic field strengths and frequencies, we achieve subsecond, multichannel stimulation. These results bring magnetogenetics closer to the temporal resolution and multiplexed stimulation possible with optogenetics while maintaining the minimal invasiveness and deep-tissue stimulation possible only by magnetic control.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Sebesta, C; Torres Hinojosa, D; Wang, B; Asfouri, J; Li, Z; Duret, G; Jiang, K; Xiao, Z; Zhang, L; Zhang, Q; Colvin, VL; Goetz, SM; Peterchev, AV; Dierick, HA; Bao, G; Robinson, JT

Published Date

  • August 2022

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 21 / 8

Start / End Page

  • 951 - 958

PubMed ID

  • 35761060

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1476-4660

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/s41563-022-01281-7

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England