Electromagnetic field-mediated direct lineage reprogramming into induced dopamine neurons in vivo for Parkinsons disease therapy [microarray1]

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are physical energy generated by electrically charged objects that can influence numerous biologic processes, including control of cell fate and plasticity. In this study, we show that magnetic gold nanoparticles in the presence of EMF can facilitate efficient direct lineage reprogramming to induced dopamine neurons both in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, electromagnetic stimulation leads to the specific activation of the histone acetyl transferase Brd2, resulting in H3K27 acetylation and robust activation of neuronal-specific gene expression. In vivo reprogramming in conjunction with EMF stimulation efficiently alleviated symptoms in a mouse model of Parkinsons disease (PD) in a noninvasive and controllable manner. These studies provide a proof of principle that EMF-based approaches may represent a viable and safe therapeutic strategy facilitating in vivo lineage conversion for neurodegenerative disorders.

2

Yoo J, Lee E, Kim HY, Youn DH, Jung J, Kim H, Chang Y, Lee W, Shin J, Baek S, Jang W, Jun W, Kim S, Hong J, Park HJ, Lengner CJ, Moh SH, Kwon Y, Kim J