Researchers experimented with different configurations for their remote control system, and they found the best relies on an iron nanoparticle (blue), which is tethered by a protein (green) to an ion channel (red). Above, all three appear within cell membranes. Credit: Rockefeller University
In a breakthrough just published in Nature Medicine, researchers at Rockefeller University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have reported on a new technique to use electromagnetic waves to activate insulin production in mice with diabetes. More generally, this method is a first to allow remote activation of gene expression using radio waves, perhaps leading to clinical therapies for a variety of conditions.
The method works by energizing the ferritin protein, which transports iron within our bodies, and in turn opening the TRPV1 ion channel that helps turn on the expression of a gene responsible for insulin production. What makes this actually work is the presence of an engineered DNA created and introduced into the mice by the scientists that is activated by calcium ions as they pass through the open channel. This DNA is what actually causes the downstream insulin producing gene to activate and in the study the mice displayed a lowering of their blood sugar levels in response to the therapy.
The researchers are now looking into using the technique to control the activity of cells within neural circuits
Study in Nature Medicine: Remote regulation of glucose homeostasis in mice using genetically encoded nanoparticles…
Press release: ‘Radiogenetics’ seeks to remotely control cells and genes…