Using "Junk DNA" for Gene Therapy

Researchers at UCLA and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute tested the feasibility of using the non-coding regions of DNA for gene therapy to treat disease. The researchers discovered that the ability of the LeXis gene, found in the liver, has been found to lower the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. When injected with the LeXis, the mice experienced a significant decrease in the lipid accumulation and reduction of the Strepb2 gene (responsible for cholesterol biosynthesis).

 In order to parallel the human conditions of hypercholesterolemia, the mice were on a strict high sodium and high cholesterol diet. Based on their findings, the researchers demonstrated the possibility of using non-coding regions of DNA as an intervention strategy for metabolic diseases. 

Teniola Balogun

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-08/uoc--gtu082517.php

http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/136/8/776