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Published on: August 30, 2017
NIR-Remote Selected Activation Gene Expression in Living Cells by Upconverting Microrods
Bin Zheng1, Lin Su2, Huizhuo Pan1
1School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, P.R. China.
This study introduces a novel near-infrared (NIR) light-controlled gene expression system. Upconverting rods (UCRs) convert NIR light to UV, enabling precise, on-demand gene delivery and expression.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Gene expression control is crucial for therapeutic applications.
- Existing methods often lack precise spatial and temporal resolution.
- Developing remote-controlled systems is highly desirable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel gene expression system controlled by near-infrared (NIR) light.
- To achieve high spatial and temporal resolution in targeted gene delivery.
- To utilize upconverting rods (UCRs) for light-activated gene release.
Main Methods:
- Integration of upconverting rods (UCRs) with a photosensitive gene delivery system.
- Utilizing biocompatible NIR light to activate UCRs.
- NIR light conversion to localized UV light for photosensitive molecule cleavage.
- On-demand release of gene carriers triggered by UV light.
Main Results:
- Successful demonstration of NIR-controlled gene expression.
- UCRs efficiently converted NIR light to UV light in situ.
- Cleavage of the photosensitive molecule 4-(hydroxymethyl)-3-nitrobenzoic acid (ONA) was achieved.
- On-demand release of gene carriers and subsequent target gene expression were realized.
Conclusions:
- The developed NIR-controlled system offers precise spatiotemporal control over gene expression.
- UCRs provide a promising platform for remote activation of gene delivery.
- This technology has potential applications in targeted gene therapy and research.
