Molecular biology scientists in Japan have developed an innovative method to transform skin stem cells into minute biosensors. These living sensors emit light when inflammation occurs or in response to other signals of significant importance to physicians.
The University of Tokyo’s media office reported that this innovative method will aid in monitoring numerous vital processes within the body without the need for surgical intervention.
Light Indicators for Stress and Inflammation
The scientists explained that physicians and biologists typically measure various vital indicators that signify stress or inflammation, or to identify signs of disease development, by periodically collecting blood samples or by introducing artificial sensors into the bloodstream. These sensors can only be retained inside the body for a limited time, which hinders long-term monitoring outside of laboratories and medical institutions.
To overcome this obstacle, the Japanese team of scientists resorted to using keratinocyte stem cells, which are a fundamental component of skin tissue that continuously regenerates throughout the life of humans and animals. The researchers noted that these cells are highly sensitive to external signals, which prompted the team to consider transforming them into living biosensors.
Based on this idea, the researchers extracted skin stem cells from laboratory mice and modified their genes to produce green fluorescent protein molecules when the tumor necrosis factor alpha “TNF-α” appears, which is an indicator associated with inflammation, in the surrounding environment.
After multiplying these cells, the researchers re-injected them into the rodents and monitored their response to the vital inflammation indicator. The follow-up showed that the mice’s skin produced noticeable illumination even at a very low concentration of “TNF-α” not exceeding 0.2 nanograms per milliliter, and the sensor remained active for more than 200 days of monitoring.
The researchers concluded that this method may allow for tracking the development of chronic inflammation and measuring other important vital health indicators in both humans and animals.
