PUBLICATION

Genetically targeted magnetic control of the nervous system

Authors
Wheeler, M.A., Smith, C.J., Ottolini, M., Barker, B.S., Purohit, A.M., Grippo, R.M., Gaykema, R.P., Spano, A.J., Beenhakker, M.P., Kucenas, S., Patel, M.K., Deppmann, C.D., Güler, A.D.
ID
ZDB-PUB-160308-4
Date
2016
Source
Nature Neuroscience   19(5): 756-61 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Kucenas, Sarah, Smith, Cody
Keywords
none
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal/physiology*
  • Brain/physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Corpus Striatum/physiology
  • Dopaminergic Neurons/physiology
  • Ferritins/genetics
  • Humans
  • Magnetics/methods*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Reward
  • TRPV Cation Channels/genetics
  • Zebrafish
PubMed
26950006 Full text @ Nat. Neurosci.
Abstract
Optogenetic and chemogenetic actuators are critical for deconstructing the neural correlates of behavior. However, these tools have several limitations, including invasive modes of stimulation or slow on/off kinetics. We have overcome these disadvantages by synthesizing a single-component, magnetically sensitive actuator, "Magneto," comprising the cation channel TRPV4 fused to the paramagnetic protein ferritin. We validated noninvasive magnetic control over neuronal activity by demonstrating remote stimulation of cells using in vitro calcium imaging assays, electrophysiological recordings in brain slices, in vivo electrophysiological recordings in the brains of freely moving mice, and behavioral outputs in zebrafish and mice. As proof of concept, we used Magneto to delineate a causal role of striatal dopamine receptor 1 neurons in mediating reward behavior in mice. Together our results present Magneto as an actuator capable of remotely controlling circuits associated with complex animal behaviors.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping