Dubbed a “missing link,” a team of researchers developed an “electrogenetic interface” to control genes.
ETH Zurich scientists claim that they have developed a revolutionary new model of something called an “electrogenetic interface,” which uses electricity to control genes.
This will allow for the creation of wearable devices capable of controlling genes—with a focus on treating human disease through gene or cell therapy.
They showed how implanted human pancreatic cells in mice with type 1 diabetes could be impacted by electricity. They were experimenting with a device in 2020 and the new version of the device is capable of returning mice blood glucose levels to acceptable levels.
Electronic and biological systems function in radically different ways and are largely incompatible due to the lack of a functional communication interface,” says the authors. “While biological systems are analog, programmed by genetics, updated slowly be evolution and controlled by ions flowing through insulated membranes, electronic systems are digital, programmed by readily updatable software and controlled by electrons flowing through insulated wires.”
The two meet in the form of direct current-actuated regulation technology (DART), an electrogenetic interface that connects the digital with the analog by using electric current to activate specific gene responses. “Electrogenetic interfaces that would enable electronic devices to control gene expression remain the missing link in the path to full compatibility and interoperability of the electronic and genetic worlds,”
ETH Zurich scientists claim that they have developed a revolutionary new model of something called an “electrogenetic interface,” which uses electricity to control genes.
This will allow for the creation of wearable devices capable of controlling genes—with a focus on treating human disease through gene or cell therapy.
They showed how implanted human pancreatic cells in mice with type 1 diabetes could be impacted by electricity. They were experimenting with a device in 2020 and the new version of the device is capable of returning mice blood glucose levels to acceptable levels.
Electronic and biological systems function in radically different ways and are largely incompatible due to the lack of a functional communication interface,” says the authors. “While biological systems are analog, programmed by genetics, updated slowly be evolution and controlled by ions flowing through insulated membranes, electronic systems are digital, programmed by readily updatable software and controlled by electrons flowing through insulated wires.”
The two meet in the form of direct current-actuated regulation technology (DART), an electrogenetic interface that connects the digital with the analog by using electric current to activate specific gene responses. “Electrogenetic interfaces that would enable electronic devices to control gene expression remain the missing link in the path to full compatibility and interoperability of the electronic and genetic worlds,”
