AbstractFeRIC (Ferritin iron Redistribution to Ion Channels) is a magnetogenetic technique that uses radiofrequency (RF) waves to activate the transient receptor potential channels, such as TRPV1 and TRPV4, coupled to cellular ferritins. In cells expressing ferritin-tagged TRPV, RF stimulation increases the cytosolic Ca2+ levels via a biochemical pathway. The interaction between RF and ferritin increases the free cytosolic iron level that in turn, triggers chemical reactions producing reactive oxygen species and oxidized lipids that activate the ferritin-tagged TRPV. In this pathway, it is expected that experimental factors that disturb the ferritin expression, the ferritin iron load, the TRPV functional expression, or the cellular redox state will impact the RF efficacy to activate ferritin-tagged TRPV. Here, three in vitro protocols were compared for using FeRIC to remotely activate ferritin-tagged TRPV. Further, several experimental factors were examined that either enhance or abolish the RF control of ferritin-tagged TRPV. The findings may help establish reproducible magnetogenetic experimental protocols.
The functional expression of transient receptor potential channels in the mouse endometrium
