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Tang J, Feng M, Wang D, Zhang L, Yang K. Recent advancement of sonogenetics: A promising noninvasive cellular manipulation by ultrasound. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101112. [PMID: 38947740 PMCID: PMC11214298 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in biomedical research have underscored the importance of noninvasive cellular manipulation techniques. Sonogenetics, a method that uses genetic engineering to produce ultrasound-sensitive proteins in target cells, is gaining prominence along with optogenetics, electrogenetics, and magnetogenetics. Upon stimulation with ultrasound, these proteins trigger a cascade of cellular activities and functions. Unlike traditional ultrasound modalities, sonogenetics offers enhanced spatial selectivity, improving precision and safety in disease treatment. This technology broadens the scope of non-surgical interventions across a wide range of clinical research and therapeutic applications, including neuromodulation, oncologic treatments, stem cell therapy, and beyond. Although current literature predominantly emphasizes ultrasonic neuromodulation, this review offers a comprehensive exploration of sonogenetics. We discuss ultrasound properties, the specific ultrasound-sensitive proteins employed in sonogenetics, and the technique's potential in managing conditions such as neurological disorders, cancer, and ophthalmic diseases, and in stem cell therapies. Our objective is to stimulate fresh perspectives for further research in this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Tang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell Therapy, Chongqing 400014, China
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Mingxuan Feng
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell Therapy, Chongqing 400014, China
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Hu Z, Yang Y, Yang L, Gong Y, Chukwu C, Ye D, Yue Y, Yuan J, Kravitz AV, Chen H. Airy-beam holographic sonogenetics for advancing neuromodulation precision and flexibility. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2402200121. [PMID: 38885384 PMCID: PMC11214095 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402200121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancing our understanding of brain function and developing treatments for neurological diseases hinge on the ability to modulate neuronal groups in specific brain areas without invasive techniques. Here, we introduce Airy-beam holographic sonogenetics (AhSonogenetics) as an implant-free, cell type-specific, spatially precise, and flexible neuromodulation approach in freely moving mice. AhSonogenetics utilizes wearable ultrasound devices manufactured using 3D-printed Airy-beam holographic metasurfaces. These devices are designed to manipulate neurons genetically engineered to express ultrasound-sensitive ion channels, enabling precise modulation of specific neuronal populations. By dynamically steering the focus of Airy beams through ultrasound frequency tuning, AhSonogenetics is capable of modulating neuronal populations within specific subregions of the striatum. One notable feature of AhSonogenetics is its ability to flexibly stimulate either the left or right striatum in a single mouse. This flexibility is achieved by simply switching the acoustic metasurface in the wearable ultrasound device, eliminating the need for multiple implants or interventions. AhSonogentocs also integrates seamlessly with in vivo calcium recording via fiber photometry, showcasing its compatibility with optical modalities without cross talk. Moreover, AhSonogenetics can generate double foci for bilateral stimulation and alleviate motor deficits in Parkinson's disease mice. This advancement is significant since many neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, involve dysfunction in multiple brain regions. By enabling precise and flexible cell type-specific neuromodulation without invasive procedures, AhSonogenetics provides a powerful tool for investigating intact neural circuits and offers promising interventions for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongtao Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO63130
| | - Yaoheng Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO63130
| | - Leqi Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO63130
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO63130
| | - Chinwendu Chukwu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO63130
| | - Dezhuang Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO63130
| | - Yimei Yue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO63130
| | - Jinyun Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO63130
| | - Alexxai V. Kravitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO63110
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO63130
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO63110
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO63110
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Winkler-Ferenczi Z, Pelyvas B, Nagy M, Marosi M, Beresova M, Varga R, Bencze J, Szucs P, Berenyi E, Englohner A, Meszar Z, Papp T. Repeated diagnostic ultrasound exposure modifies the structural properties of CA1 dendrites and alters the hippocampal transcriptome. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11713. [PMID: 38778177 PMCID: PMC11111781 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62621-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of neurons is regulated by several spatiotemporally changing factors, which are crucial to give the ability of neurons to form functional networks. While external physical stimuli may impact the early developmental stages of neurons, the medium and long-term consequences of these influences have yet to be thoroughly examined. Using an animal model, this study focuses on the morphological and transcriptome changes of the hippocampus that may occur as a consequence of fetal ultrasound examination. We selectively labeled CA1 neurons of the hippocampus with in-utero electroporation to analyze their morphological features. Furthermore, certain samples also went through RNA sequencing after repetitive ultrasound exposure. US exposure significantly changed several morphological properties of the basal dendritic tree. A notable increase was also observed in the density of spines on the basal dendrites, accompanied by various alterations in individual spine morphology. Transcriptome analysis revealed several up or downregulated genes, which may explain the molecular background of these alterations. Our results suggest that US-derived changes in the dendritic trees of CA1 pyramidal cells might be connected to modification of the transcriptome of the hippocampus and may lead to an increased dendritic input.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bence Pelyvas
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Marianna Nagy
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Maria Marosi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Monika Beresova
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Rita Varga
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Janos Bencze
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Peter Szucs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
- HUN-REN-DE Neuroscience Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ervin Berenyi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Angelika Englohner
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Zoltan Meszar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Tamas Papp
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032.
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Mishima T, Komano K, Tabaru M, Kofuji T, Saito A, Ugawa Y, Terao Y. Repetitive pulsed-wave ultrasound stimulation suppresses neural activity by modulating ambient GABA levels via effects on astrocytes. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1361242. [PMID: 38601023 PMCID: PMC11004293 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1361242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is highly biopermeable and can non-invasively penetrate deep into the brain. Stimulation with patterned low-intensity ultrasound can induce sustained inhibition of neural activity in humans and animals, with potential implications for research and therapeutics. Although mechanosensitive channels are involved, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuromodulation by ultrasound remain unknown. To investigate the mechanism of action of ultrasound stimulation, we studied the effects of two types of patterned ultrasound on synaptic transmission and neural network activity using whole-cell recordings in primary cultured hippocampal cells. Single-shot pulsed-wave (PW) or continuous-wave (CW) ultrasound had no effect on neural activity. By contrast, although repetitive CW stimulation also had no effect, repetitive PW stimulation persistently reduced spontaneous recurrent burst firing. This inhibitory effect was dependent on extrasynaptic-but not synaptic-GABAA receptors, and the effect was abolished under astrocyte-free conditions. Pharmacological activation of astrocytic TRPA1 channels mimicked the effects of ultrasound by increasing the tonic GABAA current induced by ambient GABA. Pharmacological blockade of TRPA1 channels abolished the inhibitory effect of ultrasound. These findings suggest that the repetitive PW low-intensity ultrasound used in our study does not have a direct effect on neural function but instead exerts its sustained neuromodulatory effect through modulation of ambient GABA levels via channels with characteristics of TRPA1, which is expressed in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Mishima
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Kenta Komano
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Marie Tabaru
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kofuji
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Ayako Saito
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Human Neurophysiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuo Terao
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
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Wang W, Kevin Tang KW, Pyatnitskiy I, Liu X, Shi X, Huo D, Jeong J, Wynn T, Sangani A, Baker A, Hsieh JC, Lozano AR, Artman B, Fenno L, Buch VP, Wang H. Ultrasound-Induced Cascade Amplification in a Mechanoluminescent Nanotransducer for Enhanced Sono-Optogenetic Deep Brain Stimulation. ACS NANO 2023; 17:24936-24946. [PMID: 38096422 PMCID: PMC10932741 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Remote and genetically targeted neuromodulation in the deep brain is important for understanding and treatment of neurological diseases. Ultrasound-triggered mechanoluminescent technology offers a promising approach for achieving remote and genetically targeted brain modulation. However, its application has thus far been limited to shallow brain depths due to challenges related to low sonochemical reaction efficiency and restricted photon yields. Here we report a cascaded mechanoluminescent nanotransducer to achieve efficient light emission upon ultrasound stimulation. As a result, blue light was generated under ultrasound stimulation with a subsecond response latency. Leveraging the high energy transfer efficiency of focused ultrasound in brain tissue and the high sensitivity to ultrasound of these mechanoluminescent nanotransducers, we are able to show efficient photon delivery and activation of ChR2-expressing neurons in both the superficial motor cortex and deep ventral tegmental area after intracranial injection. Our liposome nanotransducers enable minimally invasive deep brain stimulation for behavioral control in animals via a flexible, mechanoluminescent sono-optogenetic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Wang
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Kai Wing Kevin Tang
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Ilya Pyatnitskiy
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Xiangping Liu
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Xi Shi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - David Huo
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jinmo Jeong
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Thomas Wynn
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Arjun Sangani
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Andrew Baker
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Ju-Chun Hsieh
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Anakaren Romero Lozano
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Brinkley Artman
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Lief Fenno
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Vivek P Buch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, United States
| | - Huiliang Wang
- Biomedical Engineering Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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Wang HC, Phan TN, Kao CL, Yeh CK, Lin YC. Genetically encoded mediators for sonogenetics and their applications in neuromodulation. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1326279. [PMID: 38188668 PMCID: PMC10766825 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1326279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Chu Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Thi-Nhan Phan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ling Kao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Kuang Yeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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