基于机械敏感离子通道的超声神经调制研究进展

Advances of ultrasonic neuromodulation based on mechanosensitive channels

摘要:

机械敏感离子通道（mechanosensitive channels，MSCs）是一类分布于各种细胞膜上可将细胞受到的机械刺激转化为电信号或化学信号的特殊膜蛋白。由于机械敏感通道所具有的特性，使其成为超声调控的重要潜在靶点。超声由于具有良好的空间分辨率和聚焦效果，并且理论上可实现无创条件下的全脑范围定位，具有用于进行物理性神经调制和治疗神经系统疾病的潜力。近年来，越来越多的离子通道被鉴定出具有机械敏感特性，但其中有明确报道可以被超声激活的依然数量较少。此外，现阶段超声激励下机械敏感通道的开放过程和机制仍未被阐明。本文着重介绍了大电导机械敏感通道、瞬时受体电位通道、退化蛋白/上皮钠通道、双孔钾通道和Piezo通道等机械敏感离子通道在超声神经调制中的研究进展及其应用，为未来超声神经调制的深入研究和临床应用提供参考。

Abstract:

Mechanosensitive channels (MSCs) are special membrane proteins that can convert mechanical stimulation into electrical or chemical signals. These channels have become potential targets for ultrasonic neuromodulation due to their properties. The good spatial resolution and focusing effect of ultrasound make it theoretically possible to achieve non-invasive whole-brain localization. Therefore, ultrasonic neuromodulation is a promising method for performing physical neuromodulation and treating neurological disorders. To date, only a few ion channels have been reported to be activated by ultrasound, while recent research has identified more channels with mechanosensitive properties. Moreover, the opening process and mechanism of MSCs under ultrasound excitation remain unknown. This review provides an overview on recent research advances and applications in MSCs, including large conductance mechanosensitive channels, transient receptor potential channels, degenerated protein/epithelial sodium channels, two-pore potassium channels, and piezo channels. These findings will facilitate future studies and applications of ultrasonic neuromodulation.