Electrogenetic cellular insulin release for real-time glycemic control in type 1 diabetic mice

  • Krzysztof Krawczyk
  • , Shuai Xue
  • , Peter Buchmann
  • , Ghislaine Charpin-El-Hamri
  • , Pratik Saxena
  • , Marie Didiée Hussherr
  • , Jiawei Shao
  • , Haifeng Ye
  • , Mingqi Xie
  • , Martin Fussenegger*
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

157 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sophisticated devices for remote-controlled medical interventions require an electrogenetic interface that uses digital electronic input to directly program cellular behavior. We present a cofactor-free bioelectronic interface that directly links wireless-powered electrical stimulation of human cells to either synthetic promoter-driven transgene expression or rapid secretion of constitutively expressed protein therapeutics from vesicular stores. Electrogenetic control was achieved by coupling ectopic expression of the L-type voltage-gated channel CaV1.2 and the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir2.1 to the desired output through endogenous calcium signaling. Focusing on type 1 diabetes, we engineered electrosensitive human β cells (Electroβ cells). Wireless electrical stimulation of Electroβ cells inside a custom-built bioelectronic device provided real-time control of vesicular insulin release; insulin levels peaked within 10 minutes. When subcutaneously implanted, this electrotriggered vesicular release system restored normoglycemia in type 1 diabetic mice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)993-1001
Number of pages9
JournalScience
Volume368
Issue number6494
DOIs
StatePublished - 29 May 2020

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