Tag

Chemogenetics

All articles tagged with #chemogenetics

Coffee-Triggered CRISPR: A Reversible Jab at Precision Gene Therapy
science2 months ago

Coffee-Triggered CRISPR: A Reversible Jab at Precision Gene Therapy

Texas A&M researchers report a chemogenetic system that links CRISPR activity to caffeine, enabling controllable, reversible gene editing and T‑cell activation via a “caffebody,” with safety shutoffs using rapamycin. This approach aims for more precise cancer therapies and other long‑term treatments, pending further preclinical studies.

Cocaine Chemogenetics Reduces Drug-Seeking Behavior
science7 months ago

Cocaine Chemogenetics Reduces Drug-Seeking Behavior

Researchers developed cocaine-gated chemogenetic receptors that can precisely respond to cocaine exposure, allowing for targeted modulation of neural circuits involved in addiction. These engineered channels, selective for cocaine over natural rewards and other drugs, were used to suppress cocaine-seeking behavior in rats by activating specific brain circuits during drug exposure, thereby reducing dopamine release and reinforcing effects. This innovative approach offers a new avenue for studying and potentially treating cocaine addiction through dynamic, drug-specific neural control.