Can You Regulate Genes With Your Thoughts?

By Chuck Seegert, Ph.D.

A Bluetooth-enabled, optogenetic implant has been developed that can generate and release proteins based on thoughts. The technology may be beneficial for treating epilepsy and other diseases that require gene or cell therapy.

Using brainwaves to control mechanical devices is prominent in the prosthetic space where the restoration of limb function is important. Several initiatives are underway to develop a technology that allows the patient to think about an action and have the prosthetic perform it.

Now, a new technology that uses a similar approach has been tested by researchers at ETH Zurich, according to a recent press release from the institute. The technology was inspired by a game called Mindflex, which uses a special headset to record brainwaves and wirelessly transfer input from the headset to a game board. The headset has an electroencephalograph (EEG) that is used to control different fans that blow a ball around the board. Instead of fans, the new device uses EEG recordings to wirelessly trigger an infrared light, which exposes cells that have been genetically modified to respond to the light.

The light source and human cells were incorporated into an optogenetic device that was implanted into mice, according to a study published by the team in Nature Communications. Brainwave actuation led to controlled production of a protein called secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) in the test subjects. Meditation, concentration, and the associated brain waves were used to stimulate the implant with different responses for each.

“For the first time, we have been able to tap into human brainwaves, transfer them wirelessly to a gene network and regulate the expression of a gene depending on the type of thought,” said Martin Fussenegger, ETH Zurich professor of biotechnology and bioengineering at the Department of Biosystems, in the press release.

The technology is incredibly promising for a number of potential applications including the treatment of epilepsy, where an early brainwave warning could trigger the release of an appropriate treatment from an implant, according to the press release. This could even prevent an epileptic attack in a much more responsive way.

Proof-of-concept, mind-controlled devices have made their way into the prosthetic space, in addition to other application areas. For example, as a way of developing technologies to help paralyzed people with everyday tasks, controlling a quadcopter with an EEG was explored.

Image Credit: Martin Fussenegger / ETH Zurich