Restoring Function Of A Mutant Gene Without Altering DNA Might Be Possible
Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 11:35
in Biology & Nature
Researchers have demonstrated that it might be possible to treat genetic diseases, including some forms of cancer, by "rescuing" the misshapen, useless proteins produced by some mutant genes. The researchers demonstrate that manipulating the cellular amounts of a protein called Hsp70, they can give mutants another shot at refolding. The researchers believe it may be a means of hacking the natural biochemistry of cells to restore proteins otherwise lost to mutation.