From Current to Cure: How Electricity in Revolutionizing Gene Therapy

Electrogenetics, a pioneering field in biomedical research, leverages electrical stimulation to activate specific genes within living organisms. This approach offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional gene therapy, granting unprecedented control over gene activity. By briefly puncturing cell membranes with electric pulses, electrogenetics enables the introduction of therapeutic genes or substances, allowing for precise modulation of gene expression.

Image 1: DNA structure; Source :Pixabay

On July 31, 2023 Dr. Martin Fussenegger and his team at ETH Zurich and the University of Basel in Switzerland successfully activated a specific gene in human cells, all within the confines of a mouse’s body, using direct-current electricity. This breakthrough opens new horizons in treating genetic disorders and holds the potential to revolutionize medicine, offering patients safer and more accessible gene therapy options through wearable devices or external equipment.

This promising field, known as electro genetics, has the potential to revolutionize how we approach genetic therapy and disease treatment. Unlike conventional gene therapy, which involves the introduction of gene-carrying vectors into the body, electrical stimulation can be applied externally, promising enhanced safety and practicality.

Electric stimulation is a non-invasive alternative to traditional gene therapy and offer following advantages:

• Eliminates risks associated with invasive procedures.
• Offer precise control over gene activity modulation.
• Allow for fine-tuning of gene expression.
• Adaptable to varying intensity and duration of the stimulus.
• Provide flexibility in gene regulation that traditional gene therapy lacks.
• Practical and can be applied through wearable devices or external equipment. Traditional gene therapy requires specialized clinical settings and expertise for administration, limiting its accessibility.
• The non-invasive nature of electric stimulation allows for potential home treatment, reducing healthcare burden and increasing accessibility.

The Scientific Framework of Gene Therapy

To grasp the significance of electrogenetics, it’s essential to understand the principle of gene therapy. Gene therapy is a pioneering endeavor that aims to correct genetic discrepancies. Scientists employ gene therapy to introduce functional genes into cells harboring flawed counterparts, with the ultimate goal of rectifying underlying genetic issues. This intervention seeks to mend the scripts of life, ensuring that genetic anomalies can be treated with utmost efficiency by gene therapy.

Generally, different types of vectors are used for gene therapy. These vectors, often modified virus agents, efficiently transport the desired genetic material into cells without causing harm. They serve as vital carriers, guiding the genetic melody, much like annotations on a manuscript.

Gene therapy has traditionally relied on viral vectors, which have been improved for safety and effectiveness. However, they still have limitations including limited carrying capacity and potential immune complications. That’s where non-viral vectors come into play.

Non-viral vectors are an alternative to viral vectors in gene therapy. They are often made of plasmids, which are circular DNA molecules that can be easily modified to carry the desired genetic material. Non-viral vectors have several advantages over viral vectors, such as reduced immune responses, scalability, and the ability to carry larger DNA payloads. They also have a lower risk of integrating into the host genome, which can potentially cause adverse effects. Overall, non-viral vectors are a promising tool in gene therapy and are being actively explored to overcome the limitations of viral vectors.

Image 2 : The gene therapy process. Source : fda

Electricity: A Conductor of Possibilities

Researchers have begun to use electrical pulses as precise catalysts to activate genes. This process unfolds through electroporation, a technique where fleeting electric pulses briefly puncture cell membranes. These momentary openings enable the entry of therapeutic genes or potent substances, thereby activating or modulating specific genes.

Image 3 : External electrical pulses are sent to modified cells, causing a charge reversal at the membrane. (Illustration: Katja Schubert / nach Krawczyk K et al., Science 2020)

Electrogenetics is revolutionizing medicine, bringing about exciting advancements and novel challenges.. With each electrical pulse, we draw closer to a realm where genes seamlessly align with our aspirations for robust health. This journey unfolds with promises, challenges, and untamed opportunities that hold the potential to reshape the very essence of medicine.

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