Monday, February 16, 2026 2/16/2026

Interrogating Biophysical Mechanisms of Magnetogenetic Cell Stimulation at Radio Frequencies

Award Number: R01NS110554
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2019
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2025

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Interrogating Biophysical Mechanisms of Magnetogenetic Cell Stimulation at Radio Frequencies - Abstract Magnetogenetics is a recently proposed method for stimulating cells using electromagnetic fields. In one approach, radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields are applied to stimulate membrane channel proteins such as TRPV1 and TRPV4 that are attached to ferritins. The concept is highly attractive as it enables wireless neural stimulation without limitation on penetration depth or the requirement of invasive surgeries. If successful, RF- based magnetogenetics can provide a non-invasive approach for large-scale neural stimulation that can reach anywhere in the brain and achieve cellular specificity. This capability overcomes a significant limitation in other techniques such as electrical stimulation and optogenetics where stimulation is spatially restricted. However, while there have been several independent reports of experimental evidences for magnetogenetic effects using RF waves, the physical and neurobiological underpinnings of such effects remain unclear and controversial. Reported experiments have been conducted only in a few selected frequencies and amplitudes and the responses were mostly measured indirectly based on downstream physiological effects. The objective of the proposed project is to systematically characterize, model and validate the neurobiological and cellular responses upon RF stimulation in neurons expressing ferritin-attached TRPV1 and TRPV4 channels. Specifically, we aim to characterize these magnetogenetic channels of their: 1) neuronal responses to electrical and chemical stimuli and to RF stimulation over a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes; 2) temperature responses to RF stimulation at the protein, cytoplasmic membrane and cellular level; 3) cellular metabolic processes upon RF stimulation. We will systematically evaluate two novel working hypotheses of the underlying mechanisms. If successful, the project will characterize the cellular responses to RF stimulation, quantify activation thresholds and safety limits, establish standard protocols and elucidate the biophysical underpinnings of this reported RF- based magnetogenetic phenomenon. It would resolve a fundamental challenge in advancing this technology and guide a more rationale design and improvement of the techniques. Understanding the mechanisms of the initial reports of magnetogenetics would be a significant addition to the present ensemble of neuro-stimulation technologies such as electrical stimulation and optogenetics and contribute to one central goal of the BRAIN Initiative that is to develop new and improved perturbation technologies suitable for controlling specified cell types and circuits to modulate function in the central nervous system.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = -$991 )
2025	2023	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE	1608 4TH ST STE 201	BERKELEY	CA	94710	ALAMEDA	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	5	8/15/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$991
														Subtotal = -$991

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $510,272 )
2023	2023	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE	1608 4TH ST STE 201	BERKELEY	CA	94710	ALAMEDA	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	5	3/28/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$510,272
														Subtotal = $510,272

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $499,674 )
2022	2022	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE	1608 4TH ST STE 201	BERKELEY	CA	94710	ALAMEDA	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	4	3/24/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$499,674
														Subtotal = $499,674

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $489,212 )
2021	2021	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE	1608 4TH ST STE 220	BERKELEY	CA	94710	ALAMEDA	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	3	3/7/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$489,212
														Subtotal = $489,212

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $479,468 )
2020	2020	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE	1608 4TH ST STE 220	BERKELEY	CA	94710	ALAMEDA	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	3/24/2020	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$479,468
														Subtotal = $479,468

Issue Date FY: 2019 ( Subtotal = $500,392 )
2019	2019	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE	1608 4TH ST STE 220	BERKELEY	CA	94710	ALAMEDA	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	6/20/2019	NEW	$500,392
														Subtotal = $500,392

Grand Total All Awards = $2,478,027

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Interrogating Biophysical Mechanisms of Magnetogenetic Cell Stimulation at Radio Frequencies

Award Number: R01NS110554

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2019

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2025

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer