Methods for modulating cell function
First Claim
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1. A method for treating hypertension, the method comprising:
- delivering a viral vector to a body tissue of a patient, wherein the body tissue includes one or more neurons;
wherein the viral vector includes a transgene, the transgene including a neuron-specific promoter and a gene encoding a nerve modulation protein, the transgene also including a second gene encoding an enzyme that converts a non-toxic form of a therapeutic agent to a toxic form;
infecting the neurons with the viral vector;
implanting a light source adjacent to the cell bodies of the one or more neurons; and
emitting light from the light source;
monitoring the patient for a change in blood pressure; and
if a change in blood pressure is observed, administering the non-toxic form of the therapeutic agent to the body tissue;
wherein the enzyme converts the non-toxic form of the therapeutic agent to the toxic form.
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Abstract
Methods for modulating nerve function are disclosed. An example method for modulating nerve function may include providing a transgene including a neuron-specific promoter and a gene encoding a light-sensitive protein, delivering the transgene to a body tissue including one or more target neurons, implanting a light source adjacent to the cell bodies of the one or more target neurons, and emitting light from the light source. Light may be exposed to the cell bodies of the one or more target neurons and may cause a conformational change in the light-sensitive protein.
1473 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for treating hypertension, the method comprising:
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delivering a viral vector to a body tissue of a patient, wherein the body tissue includes one or more neurons; wherein the viral vector includes a transgene, the transgene including a neuron-specific promoter and a gene encoding a nerve modulation protein, the transgene also including a second gene encoding an enzyme that converts a non-toxic form of a therapeutic agent to a toxic form; infecting the neurons with the viral vector; implanting a light source adjacent to the cell bodies of the one or more neurons; and emitting light from the light source; monitoring the patient for a change in blood pressure; and if a change in blood pressure is observed, administering the non-toxic form of the therapeutic agent to the body tissue; wherein the enzyme converts the non-toxic form of the therapeutic agent to the toxic form. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for treating hypertension, the method comprising:
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providing a viral vector carrying a transgene, the transgene including a light-sensitive promoter that drives expression of a first gene encoding a nerve modulation protein and a second gene encoding an enzyme that converts a non-toxic form of a toxin to a toxic form of the toxin; delivering the viral vector to a body tissue of a patient, wherein the body tissue includes one or more neurons; infecting the neurons with the viral vector; implanting a light source adjacent to the cell bodies of the one or more neurons; emitting light of a first wavelength from the light source, wherein light of the first wavelength is exposed to the cell bodies of the one or more neurons and drives expression of the first gene and the second gene; emitting light of a second wavelength from the light source; measuring blood pressure in the patient; and if a change in blood pressure is observed, administering the non-toxic form of the toxin to the body tissue; wherein the enzyme converts the non-toxic form of the toxin to the toxic form and kills the body tissue.
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Specification