Controlling Gene Expression by Thought

Two researchers, Marc Folcher and Martin Fussenegger, found a way for people to control their genes. Until now, genes were regulated by naturally made molecules, which assisted in the translation of genes into proteins. However, these two researchers are modernizing gene expression- they found a way to allow an individual to control their own gene expression by thought. Recently, an experiment was conducted that has never been accomplished before. It has been found that certain brainwaves enable specific genes to become expressed, and therefore Folcher and Fussenegger electrically transferred brainwaves to a gene network. Different brainwaves were able to activate or deactivate certain genes. This type of control came about because of a game called "Mindflex;" in this game, an EEG of the player's brainwaves is taken, and the player is able to move the pieces on the game board with their mind by changing his or her thoughts (i.e. level of concentration).


                             a chamber attached to an infrared light

In the experiment, a headset similar to the one in Mindflex is used, and the brainwaves are projected onto an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field provides an electrical current. A light is directly attached to an implant, and when it lights up, a certain protein can be synthesized from the cells that were modified in a chamber. A close-to infrared light was used because it is completely safe, yet it is able to reach the tissues of the organism it is acting upon. It can also monitor the activity of the implant. The easiest gene to use this method for is called SEAP, which is a gene taken from the placenta. This is the easiest gene to use because it uses passive transport to diffuse from the chambered culture to the implant. This protein was controlled by an individual, who caused a normal amount of SEAP to be present in mice when he or she was intently concentrating, but the SEAP level increased when he or she was in a more relaxed state. The user was therefore able to control the activity of the (nearly) infrared light.

As for the future of protein control, Fussenegger hopes to one day use this system to help patients battle diseases of the nervous system. If the problem-causing molecule is detected, this method may be used to inhibit the production of it, or increase the production of another, more helpful molecule.

Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141111111317.htm
Supporting article: http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/nov/11/mind-control-device-alter-genes-mice