A special issue of Translational Research highlights the progress and challenges of gene therapy research, focusing on clinically meaningful studies that combine patient observations with smart experiments. The approach of gene therapy may be applicable to all genetic disorders, offering a promising path for treatment and cure.
Researchers develop a gene therapy technique to increase enkephalin, an opioid compound, in the bladder wall, reducing pain signals. The treatment approach shows promise for severe chronic pain conditions like bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis.
Researchers develop lipid nanoparticles as vectors in gene therapy to deliver therapeutic genes to cells without degrading within the organism. The technology improves drug absorption for insoluble or poorly soluble molecules, offering a promising alternative for diseases with no effective treatment.
Researchers found local therapy combined with continued EGFR TKI therapy to be well-tolerated and effective in prolonging progression-free and overall survival. Local therapy was associated with a median overall survival of 41 months, a median time to progression of 10 months.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered a missing RNA element that significantly improves the effectiveness of gene therapy. The element, called Genomic RNA Packaging Enhancer element (GRPE), coordinates the production and filling of genetic material in viral vectors.
Aravind Asokan, assistant professor of genetics at UNC School of Medicine, received the award for his significant contributions to gene therapy. His lab developed a synthetic viral toolkit to unravel viral infectious pathways and produce novel vectors for gene therapy.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a synthetic gene circuit that can dial up or down gene expression in human cells, enabling refined research for drug resistance and cancer treatment. The circuit's precision will allow scientists to test the boundaries of genes known to confer resistance ...
Researchers from UAB have shown that gene therapy can cure type 1 diabetes in large animals with a single session. The therapy uses a 'glucose sensor' to regulate blood sugar levels, reducing diabetic hyperglycemia and preventing complications.
Researchers in Calgary have launched the world's first gene therapy clinical trial for Fabry disease, a rare inherited enzyme deficiency. The trial aims to transplant stem cells with a working copy of the GLA gene into patients, potentially curing the condition.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that gene therapy improves vision in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis, but also advances retinal cell degeneration. The research provides a more nuanced understanding of the disease and its treatment.
Researchers have successfully treated Duchenne muscular dystrophy in dogs using gene therapy, reducing inflammation and improving muscle strength. The study, published in Molecular Therapy, provides a quantum leap forward in fighting this devastating disease, paving the way for future human clinical trials.
A study published in Cell Reports found that the position of a gene within chromatin affects its expression, contradicting the concept of a singular 'histone code'. The researchers inserted the same gene into 90 different locations in yeast chromosome and discovered significant differences in gene activity.
A 10-year follow-up study shows promising outcomes for patients who received gene therapy to rebuild their blood vessels. The five- and 10-year survival rates were comparable to those of patients treated with traditional medical therapy, with some cases showing improved outcomes.
A clinical trial of a gene therapy cocktail has shown promising results in treating Canavan disease, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver a replacement ASPA gene to the brain, reducing NAA levels and improving symptoms.
A new study suggests that hormone therapy initiated close to menopause can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Women who began hormone therapy within five years of menopause had a 30% lower risk of Alzheimer's dementia than those who did not use hormone therapy.
Research reveals that gene length is crucial for protein expression, with shorter genes utilizing specialized terminators to avoid repression. This finding highlights the importance of gene ends in regulating gene activity.
A novel method using immune cells has been shown to induce tolerance to specific proteins in mice, allowing them to tolerate gene therapy designed to deliver the protein. This approach may prevent rejection and improve the long-term success of gene therapies for various diseases.
Researchers from Massachusetts Eye and Ear have isolated the elusive human gene NMNAT1, which causes Leber congenital amaurosis, a rare but devastating form of early-onset blindness. The discovery is a significant step towards developing sight-saving gene therapy.
A novel gene therapy approach has been developed to increase frataxin protein levels in Friedreich's ataxia patients. The method, using TALE proteins, successfully boosted frataxin production by 2-3 fold, offering a potential solution for treating the genetic disorder.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a gene therapy treatment that extends the lives of mice with spinal muscular atrophy by introducing a missing gene into their central nervous systems. This breakthrough offers new hope for treating humans with SMA, potentially providing a cure within 12-18 months.
A new gene therapy approach has been developed to deliver full-length versions of large genes, improving skeletal muscle function in patients with genetic disorders like dysferlinopathies. The strategy may hold new hope for treating limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B and other muscular dystrophies.
A novel gene therapy strategy using hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) nanoparticles has been developed for cardiac repair. The strategy, known as HRE-VEGF, provides a safer alternative to current VEGF gene delivery systems and shows promise for treating myocardial infarction.
Gene therapy successfully replaces protein missing in Pompe disease when targeting liver cells, reducing immune system reaction. Combining liver-expressing vector with ubiquitously expressing vector boosts overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a small inherited change in DNA responsible for overactivating the BAALC gene, which is associated with poor treatment response in acute leukemia. The study found that high levels of RUNX1 protein are linked to high BAALC gene expression.
Researchers developed a new method to identify vaccine targets for Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. Gene therapy has shown promise in treating adenosine deaminase deficiency by correcting B cell tolerance problems and supporting treatment options for patients with severe combined immunodeficiency.
A recent clinical trial found that gene therapy can insert the correct ADA gene into patient bone marrow cells, leading to a good response. Defects in B cell tolerance are also corrected after gene therapy, supporting its use as an effective treatment option for ADA-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency patients.
Researchers at CNIO successfully test first gene therapy to combat aging, extending mouse lifespan up to 24 percent and improving health. The therapy delivers a 'rejuvenating' effect using telomerase enzyme, repairing or delaying DNA damage.
Researchers have shown that gene therapy can induce the formation of extra sensory hair cells in young mice, but this approach has limitations in older animals. Introducing a specific gene called Atoh1 into the cochleae of young mice can produce electrical signals and connect with neurons.
Positive results from animal models and initial clinical trial results show promise for retinal gene therapy to treat inherited diseases. Researchers have developed efficient and safe viral delivery systems to introduce therapeutic genes into photoreceptor cells.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania report that genetically modified T cells remain healthy up to 11 years after initial therapy in a decade-long study of HIV patients. The approach provides a framework for gene therapy as a powerful weapon in treating HIV, cancer, and other diseases.
A recent study compared the adverse effects of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), proton therapy, and conformal radiation therapy in treating localized prostate cancer. The results showed that IMRT was associated with fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects and hip fractures but more erectile dysfunction, while proton therapy...
A study published in Science reveals that a gene silencing protein plays a crucial role in completing the transcription process, which is essential for successful gene expression. The research found that the protein helps to terminate transcription, forming the correct gene product.
Researchers have designed a powerful gene therapy strategy to treat beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia by transferring a healthy beta-globin gene into diseased cells. The new technique has shown promising results, with increased production of normal hemoglobin in patients.
A groundbreaking gene therapy trial for cystic fibrosis will begin in March, involving 130 adults and children with the disease. The trial aims to assess whether repeated doses of gene therapy can improve symptoms and lung function in patients.
Researchers have discovered a dramatic improvement in life span and motor function in mice with infantile Batten disease when treated with gene therapy and bone marrow transplants. The combination therapy created a striking synergy, with mice living nearly 18.5 months, more than double the lifespan of untreated mice.
Gene therapy is poised to disrupt traditional treatment methods with its effectiveness in treating diseases such as hemophilia B. The technology has demonstrated feasibility and is expected to bring significant changes to the healthcare marketplace.
Researchers develop gene therapy to correct X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic defect causing peripheral and night vision loss. The technique replaces a malfunctioning gene with a normal one, supplying a protein for light-sensitive cells to function.
Scientists have solved the three-dimensional structure of a newly discovered type of gene-targeting protein called TAL effector, which has a unique LEGO-like modular architecture. This discovery enables researchers to engineer the protein for targeted gene modification, genetic engineering, and corrective gene therapy.
A recent clinical trial in patients with hemophilia B showed that Factor IX gene therapy was able to convert severe hemophilia to moderate or mild disease. The treatment demonstrated a sustained therapeutic effect and eliminated or substantially reduced the need for standard protein replacement.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and University College London have achieved early success with a gene therapy developed to treat hemophilia B. The treatment increased Factor IX levels in adults with the disorder, reducing the need for clotting factor injections to prevent bleeding episodes.
Researchers have successfully delivered replacement genes to patients with muscular dystrophy using a 'chimeric' virus. The study demonstrates the potential of customized gene therapy as a treatment option for this devastating disease.
A study published in Neurology found that people with a history of stroke or diabetes who received clot-busting drugs had better outcomes than those who did not. The use of these drugs can limit damage and disability due to blood clots, and current guidelines should not exclude individuals from receiving this therapy.
Researchers are investigating a novel gene therapy approach using LG631 to improve tolerance and effectiveness of chemotherapy for glioblastoma, a devastating brain cancer. The study aims to prevent damage to bone marrow, enabling patients to receive higher doses with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that intensive diabetes therapy can preserve kidney function in patients with type 1 diabetes, preventing impaired kidney function and kidney failure. The study's results demonstrate the importance of maintaining good glucose control early in the course of type 1 diabetes to prevent long-term kidney complications.
Scientists have identified a gene switch that regulates the choice of odorant receptor genes in olfactory sensory neurons. Regulatory elements in the genome act as on-off switches to determine which gene is chosen for expression.
Men with locally advanced or high-risk prostate cancer who receive combined radiation and hormone therapy live longer and are less likely to die from their disease. The treatment improved overall survival by 23% and disease-specific survival by 43% compared to hormone therapy alone.
A new study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine could lead to improved gene therapies for conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Researchers found that a virus used in vaccines can also be tailored to cause less of an immune response in gene therapy applications.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that targets breast cancer stem cells, eliminating them and increasing chemotherapy effectiveness. The therapy, VISA-claudin4-BikDD, was shown to reduce tumor volume by 75% and extend survival in mice.
A novel gene therapy approach combining with radiation therapy has been found to be safe and effective in treating glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly form of brain cancer. The treatment stimulates an immune response against the tumor, producing an 'immunogene therapy' effect.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have devised a gene therapy cocktail that can treat some inherited diseases caused by misfolded proteins. The approach uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver two payloads simultaneously: one disables the mutant protein and another provides a new gene to replace its activity.
A new study develops and tests genetically engineered spider silk for safe and efficient gene delivery, offering a promising alternative to viral vectors. The material successfully attaches to diseased cells and injects DNA without harming mice in lab studies.
Gene therapy using stem cells holds great potential for treating a range of diseases, thanks to advances in gene marking techniques, PCR sequencing, and chromatin insulators. The success of these methods could lead to improved patient survival rates.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine developed a gene therapy called SERCA2a that stabilized or improved cardiac function in people with severe heart failure. Patients receiving the high-dose therapy experienced substantial clinical benefit and significantly reduced cardiovascular hospitalizations.
Researchers used genome editing to treat hemophilia in mice by precisely targeting and repairing mutated DNA. The treatment, which uses zinc finger nucleases, showed clinically meaningful results with no toxic effects or complications.
A meta-analysis of 32,752 participants found that intensive-dose statin therapy was associated with a higher incidence of new-onset diabetes compared to moderate-dose therapy. In contrast, intensive statin therapy reduced the number of major cardiovascular events.
An experimental gene therapy has reversed type 1 diabetes in mice with a nearly 80 percent success rate, reversing autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. The treatment uses neurogenin3 and betacellulin to stimulate new islet growth and inhibits immune system activity.
Researchers at Salk Institute successfully edit a diseased gene in patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells using a virus-based approach. The method provides an efficient and safe tool for cell engineering, opening the way for gene editing-based stem cell therapies suitable for clinical applications.
Advances in gene therapy success depend on the development of viral delivery vectors. Researchers have made progress in refining AAV-based vectors, improving their production and use. This has enabled clinical proof of concept and paved the way for commercialization.
A new study from UCSD School of Medicine reveals the plasticity of some gene expression programs, allowing for alternative induced gene expression. This plasticity may contribute to cancer cell growth and normal differentiation, with implications for hormone therapy.
Researchers combine Sabutoclax with viral gene therapy to prevent tumor growth in prostate-cancer-prone mice, offering a novel approach to treating advanced prostate cancer. The study's findings suggest that this combination therapy could be effective in other cancers and pave the way for personalized medicine.