Gene Switch Uses Electromagnetic Fields to Control Genes Remotely
DNA regulatory elements, which control when, where, and to what extent specific genes are turned on or off, can be co-opted by scientists to create gene switches. The post Gene Switch Uses Electromagnetic Fields to Control Genes Remotely appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News .
Researchers at Dongguk University in South Korea have developed a novel electromagnetic field (EMF)-responsive gene switch that enables precise, reversible, and non-invasive control over gene expression. This breakthrough, published in the journal Cell, offers a powerful tool for understanding gene expression and potential therapeutic applications.
Current gene switches using stimuli such as drugs, light, heat, ultrasound, and electrical signals face limitations in precise timing and duration control, as well as potential adverse effects. The Dongguk team addressed these issues by utilizing the promoter of the Lgr4 gene to create an EMF-inducible gene switch, demonstrating its effectiveness in Alzheimer's disease modeling and reversing aging markers in mice.
The switch was linked to a reporter producing green fluorescent protein (GFP), allowing visualization of gene activity. EMF exposure led to strong GFP expression throughout the body, while targeted EMF exposure produced localized gene expression in specific organs. Gene expression returned to baseline within 24 hours when EMF stimulation was discontinued, showcasing the switch's tunability and reversibility.
The discovery of cytochrome b5 type B (Cyb5b) as a biological sensor for EMF marks a significant step forward in this field, potentially paving the way for non-invasive, remotely controlled gene therapies.
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