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Modulating cell signalling in vivo with magnetic nanotransducers
Gabriela Romero1, Jimin Park2,3,4, Florian Koehler3,4,5
1Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Nature Reviews. Methods Primers
|December 19, 2023
Summary
Magnetic nanomaterials enable precise control of cellular processes using weak magnetic fields. This technology offers new avenues for neuroscience research, linking molecular signals to behavior in moving subjects.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Weak magnetic fields enable lossless signal transmission in biological tissues.
- Magnetic nanomaterials can convert magnetic fields into biologically relevant signals.
- Nanotransducers have enabled magnetic control over cellular functions like neuronal firing and gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the versatility of magnetic modulation.
- To provide guidelines for selecting magnetic nanotransducers and fields for cellular signaling.
- To focus on applications in neuroscience.
Main Methods:
- Review of magnetic modulation modalities.
- Guidelines for material and field parameter selection.
- Focus on applications in neuroscience.
Main Results:
- Magnetic nanotransducers offer control over cellular processes (neuronal firing, gene expression, apoptosis).
- Effective control requires tailoring nanotransducers and fields to molecular targets.
- Recent advancements in instrumentation and nanoparticle chemistry are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic approaches offer a versatile tool for modulating cellular signaling.
- Careful selection of magnetic nanotransducers and fields is crucial for effective implementation.
- Magnetic methods hold promise for connecting molecular signaling to physiology and behavior in untethered subjects.
