CRISPR vs. cholesterol: can gene editing prevent heart disease?
9 days ago
- #Gene Editing
- #CRISPR
- #Cardiovascular Disease
- A CRISPR–Cas9 gene-editing therapy reduced cholesterol levels by 50% in a small clinical trial.
- The therapy targeted the ANGPTL3 gene, which regulates LDL ('bad' cholesterol) and triglycerides.
- Only 15 participants have received the treatment so far, but it shows promise for future cardiovascular disease treatments.
- Researchers envision a future where gene editing could replace daily cholesterol-lowering medications.
- Further safety testing and cost considerations are needed before widespread use.
- Gene-editing therapies are expanding beyond rare diseases to common conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
- Kiran Musunuru, a cardiologist, highlights the potential of gene-editing therapies for broad application in cardiovascular diseases.
- CRISPR Therapeutics is developing gene-editing treatments for high blood pressure and other conditions.
- Transitioning from rare to common diseases requires extensive safety studies due to limited use so far.