Cell functions can be controlled by light pulses
Published: Thursday, Oct 24th 2024, 12:40
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Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) have succeeded in elucidating the structure of certain photoreceptors. With the help of light pulses, cell functions can be switched on and off.
This makes the photoreceptors an important instrument in biological research and medical applications, the PSI, based in Villingen, Aargau, announced on Thursday. In this way, cell activities can be controlled without the use of chemicals, which often lead to undesirable side effects. Remote control by light would be very specific and non-invasive. It could also be used to influence deep-lying organs and tissues.
Light receptors such as rhodopsins are suitable for this. In humans, these are found in the retina of the eyes and absorb light impulses. The light control would have a faster and more targeted effect than drugs, which have a delayed effect and show unwanted side effects.
Something similar is already working in the neurosciences and is being tested in research into brain diseases such as Parkinson's and epilepsy. Light-controlled ion channels from single-celled organisms are built into the neurons using genetic engineering. These can be opened, for example, by blue light, wrote the PSI.
However, such light-controlled ion channels would only work in nerve cells. The aim of PSI's research is to stimulate other cells and organs in the organism in order to control many different bodily functions. For example, the natural pacemaker of the heart or the mechanisms of chronic pain, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses could be investigated. It may be possible to develop effective cell therapies for hormonal dysfunctions, immune, heart and other diseases, including cancer.
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