Foundational Sonogenetics Literature:

Introduction to Sonogenetics for Ultrasound Scientists (Walsh, Yoon, Anderson, et al., 2025, IEEE)
A comprehensive review explaining the principles of sonogenetics for the physics and engineering community, focusing on the interface between transducer design and biological activation.

Sonogenetics is a non-invasive approach to activating neurons in C. elegans (Ibsen et al., 2015, Nature Communications)
The first study to define “Sonogenetics,” demonstrating that TRP-4 can sensitize specific neurons to low-pressure ultrasound to enable behavioral control in freely moving animals.

Sonogenetic control of mammalian cells using exogenous TRPA1 channels (Duque et al., 2022, Nature Communications)
Demonstrates that human TRPA1 (hsTRPA1) can be used as a sonogenetic actuator to achieve ultrasound-dependent calcium influx and neural activation in mammalian systems, both in vitro and in vivo.

Ultrasound Mediated Cellular Deflection Results in Cellular Depolarization (Vasan et al., 2022, Advanced Science)
Uses high-speed digital holographic microscopy to quantify ultrasound-induced membrane deflection, providing evidence for the mechanical forces required to gate sonogenetic channels.

Two parallel pathways are required for ultrasound-evoked behavioral changes (Magaram et al., 2022, PLOS ONE)
Investigates the interaction between sonogenetic tools and natural mechanosensory pathways, showing how multiple channels contribute to ultrasound-evoked behavior in C. elegans.

Specialized Research & Emerging Frontiers:

Expanded Actuator Toolkit	Clinical & Translational Applications	Mechanobiology & Cellular Mechanism
Channel-specific differential effects of bacterial mechanosensitive channels for ultrasound neuromodulation in precision sonogenetics	Engineering sonogenetic EchoBack-CAR T cells	Ultrasound-mediated mechanical forces activate selective tumor cell apoptosis
Human TRPV4 engineering yields an ultrasound-sensitive actuator for sonogenetics	Blood-brain barrier opening with neuronavigation-guided focused ultrasound in pediatric patients with diffuse midline glioma	Sonogenetics: a mini review
Tension activation of mechanosensitive two-pore domain K+ channels TRAAK, TREK-1 and TREK-2	Single exposure to low-intensity focused ultrasound causes biphasic opening of the blood-brain barrier through secondary mechanisms	Focused ultrasound in modern medicine: bioengineering interfaces, molecular effects and clinical breakthroughs