Mechano-sensitization of mammalian neuronal networks through expression of the bacterial large-conductance mechanosensitive ion channel

Development of remote stimulation techniques for neuronal tissues represents a challenging goal. Among the potential methods, mechanical stimuli are the most promising vectors to convey information non-invasively into intact brain tissue. In this context, selective mechano-sensitization of neuronal circuits would pave the way to develop a new cell-type-specific stimulation approach. We report here, for the first time, the development and characterization of mechano-sensitized neuronal networks through the heterologous expression of an engineered bacterial large-conductance mechanosensitive ion channel (MscL). The neuronal functional expression of the MscL was validated through patch-clamp recordings upon application of calibrated suction pressures. Moreover, we verified the effective development of in-vitro neuronal networks expressing the engineered MscL in terms of cell survival, number of synaptic puncta and spontaneous network activity. The pure mechanosensitivity of the engineered MscL, with its wide genetic modification library, may represent a versatile tool to further develop a mechano-genetic approach. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.