Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.10.21.348870v1?rss=1 Authors: Hou, X., Qiu, Z., Kala, S., Guo, J., Zhu, T., Wong, K. F., Zhu, J., Xian, Q., Yang, M., Sun, L. Abstract: Ultrasound neurostimulation is a promising new method to manipulate brain activity noninvasively, and its efficacy and precision could be improved by using nanoparticles to enhance and localize ultrasound's physical effects. Nanobubbles are a good candidate for this as they oscillate under sonication, causing mechanical perturbation, and they solve the problems inherent to microbubbles' size. Here, we detail a neurostimulation scheme using gas-filled nanostructures, gas vesicles (GVs), as actuators for ultrasound stimuli. Sonicated primary neurons displayed dose-dependent, repeatable Ca2+ responses, closely synced to stimuli, and increased nuclear expression of the activation marker c-Fos only in the presence of GVs. We identified mechanosensitive ion channels as important mediators of this effect, and neurons heterologously expressing the MscL-G22S channel showed greater activation at lower acoustic pressure. This treatment scheme was also found to be broadly safe for cells. Altogether, we demonstrate a simple and effective method of enhanced and more selective ultrasound neurostimulation. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info