Sound Waves Trigger Insulin Release
Diabetes, characterized by insufficient insulin production, necessitates external hormone administration through injections or pumps. Researchers, led by Martin Fussenegger from the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering at ETH Zurich in Basel, are on a quest to simplify the lives of diabetics by seeking ways to produce and deliver insulin directly within the body.
One innovative approach they are exploring involves encapsulating insulin-producing designer cells in implantable capsules. To exert precise control over when and how much insulin these cells release into the bloodstream, the research team has explored various external triggers in recent years, including light, temperature, and electric fields.
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Music as a Unique Stimulus
In their latest breakthrough, Fussenegger and his team have developed a novel method to stimulate insulin release within minutes: music. Specifically, the legendary rock anthem “We Will Rock You” by Queen has demonstrated exceptional efficacy in triggering insulin release. Learn more about Blood Sugar Tracking
Sound-Sensitive Cells
To enable insulin-producing cells to respond to sound waves, researchers employed a protein from E. coli bacteria known for its responsiveness to mechanical stimuli—a common feature in both animals and bacteria. By incorporating the genetic blueprint of this bacterial ion channel into human insulin-producing cells, the cells could synthesize and embed the ion channel in their membranes.
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The Mechanics of Sound-Induced Insulin Release
The introduction of sound causes the channel in these cells to open, allowing positively charged calcium ions to enter. This influx leads to a reversal in the cell membrane’s charge, prompting insulin-filled vesicles within the cell to fuse with the membrane and release insulin into the bloodstream.
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Optimizing the Musical Prescription
Through experiments with cell cultures, researchers pinpointed the frequencies and volume levels that most effectively activated the ion channels. They discovered that volume levels of around 60 decibels (dB) and bass frequencies of 50 hertz were the most potent in activating these channels. To trigger maximal insulin release, the music or sound had to persist for at least three seconds and pause for no more than five seconds between intervals. Longer intervals resulted in substantially reduced insulin release. Notably, certain music genres, such as rock with powerful bass, were more effective in eliciting an insulin response compared to classical or guitar music.
Effective and Timely Insulin Response
“We Will Rock You” was particularly noteworthy, initiating approximately 70 percent of the insulin response within five minutes and achieving a complete response within 15 minutes. This level of responsiveness aligns with the natural glucose-induced insulin response observed in healthy individuals, according to Fussenegger.
Precise Sound Placement Required
To evaluate the system’s functionality, researchers implanted insulin-producing cells into mice and positioned the animals so that a loudspeaker was directly above their bellies. Only under these conditions did the music successfully trigger insulin release. When the mice were allowed to move freely in an environment with ambient noise, insulin release did not occur.
Safe and Controlled Insulin Release
The research team believes there is minimal risk of implanted cells continuously releasing insulin in response to ambient noise. Insulin depots require four hours to fully replenish after depletion, providing a buffer against excessive insulin release. Even with hourly exposure to sound, the cells cannot release a full insulin load, preventing life-threatening hypoglycemia. This mechanism is expected to meet the typical needs of a diabetes patient who consumes three meals a day.
Future Possibilities
While the proof of concept has been established, clinical applications remain distant. The potential implementation of this innovative approach hinges on pharmaceutical companies’ interest in further development. Importantly, this method is not limited to insulin but can be applied to any therapeutic protein amenable to such control through mechanical stimuli, offering a broader range of possibilities for medical intervention.
