MPYIC
Resesrch Areas

The proposed MP center aims to develop new concepts and tools that can reach deep inside living organisms for non-invasive, remote manipulation of cellular functions with molecular-level precision. At the heart of this goal is the development of artificial receptors (ARs) that transduce magnetic fields or ultrasound into biological signals capable of triggering signaling cascades. Our center will elucidate the biophysical mechanisms of receptor activation. Based on this mechanistic understanding, the center will provide new design principles for next-generation ARs with spatiotemporal and real-time modulation of specific signaling pathways and cell types.

We aim to extend the concept of ARs to diverse deep tissue biosystems, including the immune system and brain. ARs for wireless deep brain neural control will offer new tools to study how our brain and neural system regulate physiology and complex behaviors in living animals, which are challenging with conventional methods. Our approaches will provide versatility in their use, which can range from single cells to behavioral studies with the potential for translational and clinical research with appropriate testing.