Graphic illustration of magnetomechanical stimulation. Credit score: Yichao Yu and Mark Lythgoe at UCL
Scientists at UCL have developed a brand new method that makes use of microscopic magnetic particles to remotely activate mind cells; researchers say the invention in rats may doubtlessly result in the event of a brand new class of non-invasive therapies for neurological problems.
Printed in Superior Science, the pioneering method referred to as “magnetomechanical stimulation” permits contact delicate mind glial cells referred to as astrocytes to be stimulated with a magnetic machine exterior the physique.
Microscopic magnetic particles, or micromagnets, are connected to astrocytes, and used as miniature mechanical switches that may flip “on” the cells when a powerful magnet is positioned close to the top.
Co-author, Professor Alexander Gourine (UCL Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience) stated: “Astrocytes are star-shaped cells discovered all through the mind. They're strategically positioned between the mind blood vessels and nerve cells. These cells present neurons with important metabolic and structural help, modulate neuronal circuit exercise and might also perform as versatile surveyors of mind milieu, tuned to sense circumstances of potential metabolic insufficiency.
“The flexibility to manage mind astrocytes utilizing a magnetic area offers the researchers a brand new instrument to check the perform of those cells in well being and illness that could be vital for future improvement of novel and efficient therapies for some widespread neurological problems, similar to epilepsy and stroke.”
Senior creator, Professor Mark Lythgoe (UCL Centre for Superior Biomedical Imaging) stated: “As a result of astrocytes are delicate to the touch, adorning them with magnetic particles means you can provide the cells a tiny prod from exterior the physique utilizing a magnet, and as such, management their perform. This potential to remotely management astrocytes offers a brand new instrument for understanding their perform and will have the potential to deal with mind problems.”
In creating MMS, scientists at UCL got down to create a extra clinically related mind cell management method. This contrasts with different current analysis instruments, similar to optogenetics and chemogenetics, which require international genes to be inserted into the mind cells, usually with the assistance of a virus. This want for genetic modification has been a significant impediment to the scientific translation of the prevailing strategies.
Lead researcher Dr. Yichao Yu (UCL Centre for Superior Biomedical Imaging) stated: “Our new know-how makes use of magnetic particles and magnets to remotely and exactly management mind cell exercise and, importantly, does this with out introducing any machine or international gene into the mind.
“Within the laboratory-based examine, we coated microscopic magnetic particles with an antibody that permits them to bind particularly to astrocytes. The particles had been then delivered to the goal mind area within the rat by way of injection.
“One other benefit of utilizing micromagnets is that they gentle up on an MRI scan so we will observe their location and goal very specific components of the mind to get exact management of mind perform.”
Professor Lythgoe, who acquired the Royal Society of Drugs Ellison–Cliffe Award 2021 for his “contribution of elementary science to the development of medication,” added: “We're very enthusiastic about this know-how due to its scientific potential. In distinction to current strategies, MMS takes benefit of the outstanding sensitivity to the touch of sure mind cells, due to this fact neither genetic modification nor machine implantation is required. This makes MMS a promising candidate as a substitute, much less invasive remedy in comparison with the at the moment used deep mind stimulation strategies that require the insertion of electrodes into the mind.”
Reference: “Distant and Selective Management of Astrocytes by Magnetomechanical Stimulation” by Yichao Yu, Christopher Payne, Nephtali Marina, Alla Korsak, Paul Southern, Ana García-Prieto, Isabel N. Christie, Rebecca R. Baker, Elizabeth M. C. Fisher, Jack A. Wells, Tammy L. Kalber, Quentin A. Pankhurst, Alexander V. Gourine and Mark F. Lythgoe, 19 December 2021, Superior Science.
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104194
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