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Light-sensitive microbial protein may herald new cancer therapies

Researchers developed a new approach using the microbial protein Archaerhodopsin-3 to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, leading to significant tumor shrinkage when exposed to green light. The findings, published by Okayama University, show great potential for this light-activated molecule as a novel cancer therapy.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2025

Engineering smart delivery for gene editors

ENVLPE addresses limitations of previous gene editing delivery systems by hijacking intracellular transport mechanisms to ensure efficient packaging and protection of gene editors. The system was tested in a mouse model of inherited blindness, achieving astounding restoration of vision, and has potential for cancer therapy advancements

Reprogramming gut cells to treat small bowel syndrome

Researchers have successfully reprogrammed part of the large intestine to function like the nutrient-absorbing small intestine, reversing malnutrition in a preclinical study. The technique, which deletes the colon gene SATB2, restored nutrient absorption and improved survival rates in mice with short bowel syndrome.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalGastroenterology·DateApr 3, 2025

New study helps optimize gene therapy

A multidisciplinary team has generated an atlas to optimize gene therapy delivery, providing researchers with insights into the most effective viral vectors for specific tissues. The study identifies AAV4 as a promising vector for vascular and pancreatic applications, offering new possibilities for treating conditions like diabetes.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2025

New clinical trial at UTHealth Houston tests gene therapy vector that delivers drug aimed at stopping overactive bladder in patients with spinal cord injury

Researchers are conducting a first-in-human clinical trial to test a modified herpes virus that targets spinal cord nerve cells to treat neurogenic bladder. The therapy, EG110A, aims to block sensory nerve signals causing involuntary bladder contractions and incontinence.

A new gene identified in the search for a therapy to treat malignant cardiac arrythmia

Researchers have discovered a novel gene therapy that can reverse conduction slowing and prevent cardiac arrhythmias by introducing the SCN10a-short gene into heart muscle cells. The treatment has shown promise in animal models and human cell studies, offering a potential solution for millions affected by arrhythmias worldwide.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 20, 2025

Synthetic RIG-I-agonist RNA induces death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

A synthetic retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) agonist RNA has been shown to induce innate immune signaling and death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. The addition of recombinant interferon-b potentiated this cell death, suggesting a potential new mechanism for treating patients with liver cancer.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

A new era in genetic engineering

Researchers have developed a new genetic engineering tool, mvGPT, that can precisely edit genes, activate gene expression, and repress genes all at the same time. The technology has shown promise in treating genetic diseases such as Wilson's disease and type I diabetes by targeting multiple genetic conditions simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2025

Machine learning approach helps researchers design better gene-delivery vehicles for gene therapy

Researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard developed a machine-learning approach to design better AAVs for gene therapy. The tool helps engineer capsids with multiple desirable traits, such as targeting specific organs or working in multiple species. About 90% of predicted capsids successfully delivered cargo to human liver ...

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2024

New Gene therapy trial shows restored hearing and speech in children born deaf, treated in both ears

A novel gene therapy has restored hearing function in five children with DFNB9 who were treated in both ears, demonstrating additional benefits compared to a previous trial. The treatment also improved speech perception and sound localization abilities, including the ability to appreciate music.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2024

Can modified RNA heal neurodegeneration?

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh are developing a platform to genetically modify glia cells using bioengineering modified RNAs. The goal is to increase or decrease disease-relevant genes in astrocytes or microglia to potentially treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Gene-based therapy may slow development of life-threatening heart condition

Researchers have found that a gene-based therapy targeting plakophilin-2 can interrupt the progression of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a rare inherited disorder. The treatment reduced episodes of arrhythmia and slowed the deterioration of the heart's walls in mice.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

Harnessing skin cancer genes to heal hearts

Researchers at Duke University successfully introduced a mutated BRAF gene into rat heart tissue, inducing growth and cell division. However, the approach was associated with significant loss of contractile strength, highlighting the need for precise control over gene activation and delivery.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Ultrasound enables gene delivery throughout the brain

Researchers at Rice University have developed a non-invasive gene delivery technique using ultrasound to efficiently deliver clinically used gene therapy vectors throughout the brain. The study, published in Gene Therapy, shows that opening more sites within targeted regions improves gene delivery efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalGene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Study shows promise of gene therapy for alcohol use disorder

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that implanting a specific molecule in the brain can effectively reduce alcohol use among chronic heavy drinkers. The study showed a 90% reduction in drinking behavior in nonhuman primates, with the implanted virus permanently increasing dopamine levels and reducing cravings.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

Gene therapy for heart attacks in mice just got more precise

Scientists at Duke University have made a breakthrough in controlling gene expression in response to injury, using a segment of fish DNA called TREE. The method successfully targeted gene activity to specific regions and time windows, showing promise for regenerating damaged tissues in mammals.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

Finding could lead to new approach for treating severe heart disease

A new study by UCSF researchers found that delivering the VEGF growth factor into mice with coronary heart disease prompted the growth of blood vessels in damaged heart tissue without causing side effects. This approach could lead to a treatment strategy for severe coronary heart disease that has been met with setbacks.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2000

Study shows receptor molecule facilitates introduction of corrected genes into cells

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill scientists have discovered a receptor molecule that can facilitate the introduction of corrected genes into cell nuclei, paving the way for potential gene therapy treatments. The study uses a G-protein-coupled receptor to enable weakened viruses to enter cells, carrying therapeutic payloads.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 28, 2000

University of Pittsburgh study suggests herpes-delivered gene could provide long-term, systemic therapy for peripheral neuropathy

Researchers have successfully delivered a therapeutic gene for peripheral neuropathy using a modified herpes virus, which can produce nerve growth factor (NGF) in non-neuronal cells and enter the bloodstream. This approach may offer a long-term solution for patients with peripheral neuropathy resulting from diabetes or chemotherapy.