MEMRI as a tool for studying biomagnetism of the electromagnetic perceptive gene (EPG) protein.

Motivation: Development of magnetogenetic technologies for neuromodulation. Goal(s): Observe changes in intracellular Mn2+ by way of the electromagnetic perceptive gene (EPG) protein as Ca2+analog in in vitro models to warrant further investigation in vivo. Approach: Lysate of HEK293FT cells expressing EPG exposed to MnCl2 and magnetic stimulus were measured using MRI and compared to T1 values from several controls. Results: Cells expressing EPG and exposed to magnetic stimulus plus MnCl2 have significantly decreased T1 values compared to lysate from cells exposed to MnCl2 without EPG. Impact: These results strongly indicate the potential of manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) to significantly accelerate the development of magnetogenetics as a transformative tool for neuromodulation. MEMRI can facilitate magnetogenetics toward clinical translation for neural manipulation, thereby enhancing options for treating neurological disorders.