Compositions and Methods to Modulate Cell Activity

摘要

The present invention provides methods and compositions for the remote control of cell function based on the use of radiofrequency waves to excite nanoparticles targeted to specific cell types. The nanoparticles may be applied to the target cell extracellularly and/or expressed intracellularly. The cell type of interest expresses a temperature sensitive channel wherein excitation of the nanoparticles results in a localized temperature increase that is transduced into a cellular response. Such cellular responses may include, for example, increases in gene expression resulting in production of one or more physiologically active proteins. The expression of such proteins can be used to treat a variety of different inherited or acquired diseases or disorders in a subject. Accordingly, the invention provides a generic approach for treatment of any disease associated with a protein deficiency.

主权项

1. A method to remotely modulate the activity of a cell type of interest, the method comprising:
(a) administering to a cell population nanoparticles selective for the cell type of interest; and (b) applying a radiofrequency field to remotely activate the nanoparticles, wherein said activation of the nanoparticles results in modulation of the activity of the cell type of interest.