An electrogenetic interface to program mammalian gene expression by direct current
Open access
Date
2023-08Type
- Journal Article
Abstract
Wearable electronic devices are playing a rapidly expanding role in the acquisition of individuals’ health data for personalized medical interventions; however, wearables cannot yet directly program gene-based therapies because of the lack of a direct electrogenetic interface. Here we provide the missing link by developing an electrogenetic interface that we call direct current (DC)-actuated regulation technology (DART), which enables electrode-mediated, time- and voltage-dependent transgene expression in human cells using DC from batteries. DART utilizes a DC supply to generate non-toxic levels of reactive oxygen species that act via a biosensor to reversibly fine-tune synthetic promoters. In a proof-of-concept study in a type 1 diabetic male mouse model, a once-daily transdermal stimulation of subcutaneously implanted microencapsulated engineered human cells by energized acupuncture needles (4.5 V DC for 10 s) stimulated insulin release and restored normoglycemia. We believe this technology will enable wearable electronic devices to directly program metabolic interventions. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000626561Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Nature MetabolismVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
SpringerOrganisational unit
03694 - Fussenegger, Martin / Fussenegger, Martin
Funding
785800 - Electrogenetics - Shaping Electrogenetic Interfaces for Closed-Loop Voltage-Controlled Gene Expression (EC)
Related publications and datasets
Is supplemented by: https://github.com/Jinbo2022
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