Using sound and light to control cells without surgery
Non-Invasive and Non-Viral Sono-Optogenetics
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · NIH-10873134
This study is testing a new way to use sound waves and light to help treat conditions in the brain and heart without needing surgery, making it safer and easier for patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10873134 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research explores a novel approach called sono-optogenetics, which uses focused ultrasound to activate light-sensitive proteins in cells without the need for invasive procedures like surgery. By injecting specially designed nanoparticles into the bloodstream, the research aims to deliver light to deep tissues such as the brain and heart non-invasively. This method seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional optogenetics, which often requires surgical implantation of optical fibers and viral gene delivery. The goal is to enhance the safety and effectiveness of optogenetic techniques for various medical applications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with neurological or cardiac conditions that could benefit from non-invasive optogenetic therapies.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have conditions that affect neural or cardiac functions may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for conditions affecting the brain, heart, and other tissues by enabling precise control of cellular activity.
How similar studies have performed: While sono-optogenetics is a relatively novel approach, previous research in optogenetics has shown significant success in controlled cellular manipulation, indicating potential for this new method.
Where this research is happening
AUSTIN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN — AUSTIN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, HUILIANG — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- Study coordinator: WANG, HUILIANG
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Cellular injury