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Gene Expression by Remote Control
Medical applications of nanotechnology typically focus on drug delivery
and biosensors. Here, we combine nanotechnology and
bioengineering to demonstrate that nanoparticles
can be used to remotely regulate protein production in vivo. We
decorated
a modified temperature-sensitive channel, TRPV1,
with antibody-coated iron oxide nanoparticles that are heated in a
low-frequency
magnetic field. When local temperature rises,
TRPV1 gates calcium to stimulate synthesis and release of bioengineered
insulin
driven by a Ca2+-sensitive promoter.
Studying tumor xenografts expressing the bioengineered insulin gene, we
show that exposure to radio waves
stimulates insulin release from the tumors and
lowers blood glucose in mice. We further show that cells can be
engineered
to synthesize genetically encoded ferritin
nanoparticles and inducibly release insulin. These approaches provide a
platform
for using nanotechnology to activate cells.
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