Magnetically regulated gene therapy offers precise brain-circuit control

A new gene therapy technology developed by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, The Rockefeller University, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai allows for non-invasive control of specific brain circuits using magnetic fields. This innovative approach, detailed in a study published in Science Advances, enables the activation or inhibition of targeted neurons without the need for implanted devices. In experiments conducted on mice, the technology demonstrated the ability to influence movement, including reducing abnormal movements in a Parkinson's disease model. The method involves delivering an engineered ion-channel protein to neurons, which can be activated by a magnetic field, effectively acting as a switch. This technique shows promise for future clinical applications in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, depression, and chronic pain. The researchers found no safety issues during their experiments and noted that typical ambient magnetic fields are insufficient to trigger the system unintentionally. Future work will focus on optimizing the technology and exploring its potential in clinical settings.

- Researchers developed a non-invasive gene therapy technology for brain circuit control using magnetic fields.

- The technology can activate or inhibit specific neurons, showing potential for treating conditions like Parkinson's disease and depression.

- Experiments in mice demonstrated the ability to influence movement and reduce abnormal behaviors.

- The method uses engineered ion-channel proteins that respond to magnetic fields, eliminating the need for implanted devices.

- Future research will aim to optimize the technology and investigate clinical applications.