Is magnetogenetics the new optogenetics?

• Published in: The EMBO journal 2017-06, Vol.36 (12), p.1643-1646
• Main Authors: Nimpf, Simon, Keays, David A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Commentary; EMBO27; Energy; Energy sources; Genetics; Humans; Information processing; Iron; Iron-Sulfur Proteins - chemistry; Iron-Sulfur Proteins - genetics; Light sources; Magnetic fields; Mitochondrial Proteins - chemistry; Mitochondrial Proteins - genetics; Nervous system; Neurons; Optics; Optogenetics - methods; Optogenetics - trends; Stimuli; Surgery; Tethering; Torque
• ISSN: 0261-4189; 1460-2075; 1460-2075
• DOI: 10.15252/embj.201797177

Optogenetics has revolutionised neuroscience as it enables investigators to establish causal relationships between neuronal activity and a behavioural outcome in a temporally precise manner. It is a powerful technology, but limited by the necessity to deliver light to the cells of interest, which often requires invasive surgery and a tethered light source. Magnetogenetics aims to overcome these issues by manipulating neurons with magnetic stimuli. As magnetic fields can pass freely through organic tissue, it requires no surgery or tethering the animals to an energy source. In this commentary, we assess the utility of magnetogenetics based on three different approaches: magneto‐thermo‐genetics; force/torque‐based methods; and expression of the iron chaperone ISCA1. Despite some progress, many hurdles need to be overcome if magnetogenetics is to take the helm from optogenetics. Graphical Abstract The technology has great potential as a tool for precise and efficient activation of neurons in any species without the need for invasive surgery but many technical and biological hurdles still stand in the way of application.