Modulation of growth differentiation factor 10 (GDF10)
Described is a low voltage, pulsed electrical stimulation device for controlling expression of growth differentiation factor 10 (“GDF10”), a useful protein, by tissues. Also described are methods of enhancing expression of GDF10 in cells, particularly a method of stimulating the expression and/or release of GDF10 in a cell having a gene encoding GDF10, wherein the method includes applying a bioelectric signal produces, as measured at the level of the target cells or tissues being stimulated 2 mA to 4 mA direct current positive to the cell (e.g., directly, indirectly, or wirelessly). Applications in the treatment of cerebral strokes, brain injuries, paralysis, brain cancer, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, and/or essential tremors are also disclosed.
1 . A method of stimulating an expression of growth differentiation factor 10 (GDF10) in a cell having a gene encoding GDF10, wherein the method comprises:
applying to the cell a first bioelectric signal of 2 mA to 3 mA direct current positive polarity;
measuring, at the cell to which the first bioelectric signal is being applied, the applied first bioelectric signal; and
applying a separate bioelectric signal to the cell that upregulates expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the cell,
wherein the amount of GDF10 expression by the cell is enhanced by the first bioelectric signal.
2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first bioelectric signal is 3 mA direct current positive polarity.
3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cell is located in tissue selected from the group consisting of brain, inner ear, uterus, prostate, neural tissue(s), blood vessels, adipose tissue, spleen, liver, bone, cochlea, lung, testis, retina, and pineal gland.
4 . The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
selecting a subject suffering from cerebral stroke, brain injury, paralysis, brain cancer, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, anxiety, Parkinson's, and/or essential tremors, and wherein the cell is located in tissue in the subject.