Cardiac Protein Phosphorylation Modulation via Electric Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to effectively modify protein activity in situ or in vivo using electromagnetic or electrostatic fields, particularly for therapeutic applications, such as treating heart diseases, where rapid and direct modulation of protein phosphorylation is needed.

Innovation Solution

Applying electric fields to modify protein phosphorylation levels, which can normalize protein activity immediately and without requiring new protein synthesis, by shifting the balance between phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, thereby targeting specific proteins like phospholamban to enhance calcium uptake and stabilize cellular biochemistry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If traditional methods are used to modify protein activity, then protein synthesis is required, but this process is slow and cannot provide rapid therapeutic effects

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSpeed of protein activity modificationVSAvoidTime required for protein synthesis

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the biological synthesis mechanism with an electromagnetic field-based modification system. Electric fields directly modify existing protein structures and phosphorylation states, eliminating the need for slow protein synthesis while achieving rapid therapeutic effects in cardiac tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and activity levels of proteins by applying electromagnetic fields that directly alter phosphorylation states and protein conformation. This parameter-based modification approach allows immediate adjustment of protein activity without waiting for synthesis or degradation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If electromagnetic fields are applied to modify protein phosphorylation, then rapid protein activity modification is achieved, but the mechanism of action is not fully understood

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEfficiency of protein activity modificationVSAvoidUnderstanding of field-protein interaction mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the effects of electromagnetic field application on protein phosphorylation and cardiac function are monitored. This feedback allows optimization of field parameters and gradual understanding of the underlying mechanisms through observed therapeutic responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for rapid and direct modification of protein activity, improving cardiac function by normalizing phosphorylation levels, enhancing calcium pumping, and stabilizing cellular biochemistry, which can lead to improved patient outcomes by promoting natural healing processes.

Implementation Method 1

modifying the activity of proteins or other biochemicals optionally in situ and/or in vivo, for example, by modifying protein phosphorylation, using electro-magnetic or electrostatic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic field effect on protein phosphorylation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS9931503B2Protein activity modification

Publication Date: 2018.04.03 IMPULSE DYNAMICS NV

AI summary

A method of modifying cardiac tissue behavior, comprising applying a therapeutically effective electric field having an effect of modifying protein activation levels of at least one protein, and repeatedly applying the field at time intervals timed to increase the activation levels of the at least one protein beyond an activation level achieved by natural and/or paced excitation of the muscle without the application, to an extent about at least as high as a decay of the activation between applications of the field.