Scientists Develop New System That Enables Human Thought to Control Gene Expression

A decade of resolute research has led ETH scientists to develop a new system, which enables human brain activities to regulate gene expression. This advancement in bioengineering can lead to the creation of devices that can be used to detect and treat neurological diseases and related disorders.

According to Prof. Martin Fussenegger, who leads the team of researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, the method allows gaining access to human brainwaves using a wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) device and transmitting them to a gene network. "Being able to control gene expression via the power of thought is a dream that we've been chasing for over a decade," says Fussenegger. Details on this medical breakthrough were discussed in Nature Communications.

The concept was inspired by the Mattel toy Mindflex. Players wear a wireless headset with a sensor that captures brainwaves during the game so they can direct a ball throughout an obstacle course.

Initial Testing

Gene expression is defined as the conversion of genes to proteins. In testing the method, researchers used the human model protein secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) because it can be traced easily. Various implants were tested on cell cultures and on mice subjects using human thoughts. To regulate the amount of protein released, human subjects were classified into three states of mind. Some of the test subjects were instructed to concentrate on playing a mind game. Others were conditioned to meditate; while the rest were placed in the bio-feedback group.

Subjects, who were focused, generated average amounts of SEAP into the mice's bloodstream. Those in the meditative state induced higher SEAP values. In the bio-feedback group, test subjects could watch the LED radiance of the implant in the body of the mouse and could turn the LED light on or off by means of visual response.

How the Implant Works

Brain activities are processed and transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth to a device that controls the generator to create an electromagnetic field. This field provides an implant an induction current. Then an LED lamp in the implant switches on and emits near-infrared light to a chamber of genetically modified cells. Protein is produced once the near-infrared light illuminates the cells.

Near-infrared light was considered for this system because it is safe for use on human cells. It can go deep into the tissue and it allows visual observation of the implant function.

Proponents of this study are hopeful that someday a thought-controlled implant could aid in combating diseases and disorders of the nervous system through sensory detection of specific brainwaves. Future research on the marvels of the human mind has a promising future.