Microchip Enables Electronic Gene Injection

The current model for gene therapy is the insertion of a virus that contains the desired genetic material into a cell that is malfunctioning, in a process known as transfection. The hope is that when the virus takes over its host cell it will replace the cell’s malfunctioning genes with the correct genes. This has shown some success in many regions of the body; however, it has not proven to be very successful in the brain. The problem with using this technique in the brain is that the virus takes over neurons randomly, and if the wrong neuron is taken over, then this can change the function of a whole section of the brain substantially.

A new model has been created by Jit Mathuswamy that takes advantage of electricity as a possible way to insert genes into neurons. In his model, he uses an array of tiny (100 micrometer wide) electrodes that are coated with the desired genes. These electrodes send a quick burst of electricity that pierces through the neuron’s membrane and creates temporary holes that allow the genetic material to enter inside the neuron. This allows for a much more controlled delivery of genes than the transfection technique. Once the gene is inside of the desired neuron it is easy to monitor the electrical activity of the neuron using the same electrodes.

The purpose of this design is mainly for research. In the current model, neurons must be grown on top of the electrode; it has not been tested in humans or animals. However, the information that can be gained about the reaction of neurons to certain genes could be tremendous. This design allows for examination of thousands of genes that could lead to treatment for many neurological conditions.

I thought that this article was interesting because gene therapy in the brain could be the key to finding a solution to neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. I also liked the fact that he took a completely different approach to inserting the gene into the neuron and this allowed for more regulation. I would be interested to see how this model could be modified and somehow integrated into the body as an alternative to transfection.

URL of article: http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/feb08/5944