Data from: Remote neurostimulation through an endogenous ion channel using a near infrared light-activatable nanoagonist

The development of noninvasive approaches to precisely control neural activity in mammals is highly desirable. Here we utilized the ion channel TRPA1 as a proof of principle, demonstrating remote near-infrared (NIR) activation of endogenous channels in the neural structures of living mice through an engineered nanoagonist. This achievement enables specific neurostimulation in wild-type, non-genetically modified mice. Initially, target-based screening identified flavins as photopharmacological agonists, allowing for the photoactivation of TRPA1 in sensory neurons upon UVA/blue light illumination. Subsequently, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were customized with an emission spectrum aligned to flavin absorption and conjugated with flavin adenine dinucleotide, creating a nanoagonist capable of NIR activation of TRPA1. Following the intrathecal injection of the nanoagonist, noninvasive NIR stimulation allows precise bidirectional control of nociception in mice through the remote activation of spinal TRPA1. This study demonstrates a noninvasive NIR neurostimulation method with the potential for adaptation to various endogenous ion channels and neural processes by combining photochemical toolboxes with customized UCNPs.