Ultrasound modulates ion channel currents

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Neuroscience
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Transcranial focused ultrasound (US) stimulates neurons, but its mechanism remains unclear.
• A hypothesis suggests US, a mechanical stimulus, activates mechanosensitive ion channels.
• Understanding this mechanism is key to advancing US-based therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if focused ultrasound modulates mechanosensitive ion channel activity.
• To explore the potential of US in activating ion channels in cellular systems.
• To lay the groundwork for sonogenetics, a novel non-invasive stimulation technique.

Main Methods:

• Mechanosensitive ion channels (K2P family, NaV1.5) were expressed in Xenopus oocytes.
• Focused ultrasound (10 MHz) was applied at varying intensities (0.3-4.9 W/cm²).
• Ion channel currents were measured, and experiments were repeated with channel blockers.

Main Results:

• Focused ultrasound modulated ion channel currents by up to 23%.
• Effects were reversible upon stimulation and abolished by channel blockers (ranolazine, BaCl2).
• Single-cell data confirm focused US alters transmembrane currents via specific ion channels.

Conclusions:

• Focused ultrasound directly modulates the activity of specific mechanosensitive ion channels.
• These findings support the role of ion channels in US-mediated cellular effects.
• This research may lead to new medical applications and the development of sonogenetics.