Abstract: Optogenetic and chemogenetic actuators are critical for deconstructing the neural correlates of behavior. However, these tools have several drawbacks, including invasive modes of stimulation or slow on/off kinetics. These disadvantages have been overcome by synthesizing a magnetically sensitive actuator, Magneto, comprised of the cation channel, TRPV4, fused to the paramagnetic protein, ferritin. Magneto permits non-invasive magnetic control over neuronal activity by showing remote stimulation of cells using in vitro calcium imaging assays, electrophysiological recordings in brain slices, in vivo electrophysiological recordings in freely moving mice, and behavioral outputs in zebrafish and mice. As proof of concept, the first magnetogenetic control of the nervous system was demonstrated by using Magneto to delineate a causal role of striatal dopamine receptor 1 neurons in mediating reward behavior in mice.

Abstract: Optogenetic and chemogenetic actuators are critical for deconstructing the neural correlates of behavior. However, these tools have several drawbacks, including invasive modes of stimulation or slow on/off kinetics. These disadvantages have been overcome by synthesizing a magnetically sensitive actuator, Magneto, comprised of the cation channel, TRPV4, fused to the paramagnetic protein, ferritin. Magneto permits non-invasive magnetic control over neuronal activity by showing remote stimulation of cells using in vitro calcium imaging assays, electrophysiological recordings in brain slices, in vivo electrophysiological recordings in freely moving mice, and behavioral outputs in zebrafish and mice. As proof of concept, the first magnetogenetic control of the nervous system was demonstrated by using Magneto to delineate a causal role of striatal dopamine receptor 1 neurons in mediating reward behavior in mice.