By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : August 18, 2026 7:21 am
The researchers identified the Lgr4 gene as particularly responsive to EMF after performing single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse brain tissue exposed to an electromagnetic field of 2.0 millitesla at 60 hertz
Researchers at Dongguk University in the Republic of Korea have developed a novel electromagnetic field (EMF)-responsive gene switch that enables non-invasive, reversible and precise control of gene expression in living organisms, potentially opening new avenues for gene therapy and regenerative medicine.
The study, led by Professor Jongpil Kim and doctoral researcher Yerim Hwang from the Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, was published in Cell on May 28, 2026. The research was made available online on April 14, 2026.
Gene switches are regulatory systems that can be engineered to turn specific genes on or off in response to external stimuli.
While existing systems can be controlled using drugs, light, heat, ultrasound or electrical signals, many have limitations related to tissue penetration, adverse effects or the ability to precisely control when and for how long a gene remains active.
The Dongguk University team sought to overcome these limitations by developing a switch that responds to electromagnetic fields. According to Prof. Kim, extremely low-frequency EMF has previously been associated with changes in genes involved in stress responses, epigenetic regulation and cellular signalling. Its ability to penetrate tissues non-invasively and its reversibility make EMF an attractive approach for remotely regulating gene activity.
The researchers identified the Lgr4 gene as particularly responsive to EMF after performing single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse brain tissue exposed to an electromagnetic field of 2.0 millitesla at 60 hertz. They subsequently used the promoter region of Lgr4 to construct what they termed an electromagnetic-inducible (Ei) gene switch.
To test the system in animals, the researchers linked the Ei element to a reporter gene producing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Transgenic mice carrying the reporter demonstrated strong GFP expression following EMF exposure. Importantly, when EMF was targeted to specific organs, gene activation could be localised to those areas.
In another experiment, the researchers used the gene switch to regulate Tph2, a gene involved in serotonin production. This restored serotonin levels in mice and reduced depression-like behaviours, highlighting the potential of remotely controlled gene expression for neurological applications.
The researchers believe the technology could eventually provide a new approach to gene therapies in which therapeutic genes can be repeatedly activated or suppressed rather than being delivered through a single, potentially irreversible intervention.
“This technology could move gene therapy away from a single, irreversible dose and toward simpler, real-time treatments administered by physicians or even wearable devices,” said Hwang.