Electromagnetic wireless remote control of mammalian transgene expression

Abstract

Overview

Communication between wireless field receivers and biological sensors remains a key constraint in the development of wireless electronic devices for minimally invasive medical monitoring and biomedical applications involving gene and cell therapies.

Innovation

This study describes a nanoparticle-cell interface that enables electromagnetic programming of wireless expression regulation (EMPOWER) of transgenes. This is achieved via the biosafe generation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS).

• Multiferroic nanoparticles are coated with chitosan to improve biocompatibility.
• These nanoparticles generate ROS in the cytoplasm of cells in response to a low-frequency (1-kHz) magnetic field.
• Overexpressed ROS-responsive KEAP1/NRF2 biosensors detect the generated ROS and are connected to synthetic ROS-responsive promoters to drive transgene expression.

Findings

In a proof-of-concept study, subcutaneously implanted alginate-microencapsulated cells stably expressing an EMPOWER-controlled insulin expression system successfully normalized blood-glucose levels in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes in response to a weak magnetic field.

Conclusion

The research demonstrates a wireless and minimally invasive approach to regulate gene expression in vivo using electromagnetic fields, mediated by biocompatible nanoparticles and ROS-sensitive biosensors. This highlights a direct link between electromagnetic field exposure and physiological regulation at the molecular and cellular level, underscoring the potential health and therapeutic implications of EMF exposure.