We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Gene Editing Prevents Mice from Developing Hereditary Obesity

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 27 Dec 2018
A modified version of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing tool was used to correct a mutated gene in mice, which prevented the animals from becoming obese.

A wide-range of human diseases results from haploinsufficiency, where the function of one of the two gene copies is lost. More...
One of these diseases can be conveniently studied in a mouse obesity model where mutations in a single copy of the SIM1 (Single-minded homolog 1) or MC4R (Melanocortin 4 receptor) genes cause hereditary obesity.

Investigators at the University of California, San Francisco (USA) targeted the remaining functional copy of a haploinsufficient gene using CRISPR-mediated activation (CRISPRa) in Sim1 and Mc4r heterozygous mouse models to rescue their obesity phenotype.

CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) is one type of CRISPR tool that use modified versions of dCas9, a mutation of Cas9 without endonuclease activity, with added transcriptional activators on dCas9 or the guide RNAs (gRNAs). Like a standard CRISPR-Cas9 system, dCas9 activation systems rely on similar components such as Cas9 variants for modulation or modification of genes, gRNAs to guide Cas9 to intended targets, and vectors for introduction into cells. However, while a standard CRISPR-Cas9 system relies on creating breaks in DNA through the endonuclease activity of Cas9 and then manipulating DNA repair mechanisms for gene editing, dCas9 activation systems are modified and employ transcriptional activators to increase expression of genes of interest.

The investigators reported in the December 13, 2018, online edition of the journal Science that to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CRISPRa, they had injected an adeno-associated virus vector containing CRISPRa into the hypothalamus, which led to reversal of the obesity phenotype in Sim1 and Mc4r haploinsufficient mice.

Animals that were missing one copy of the SIM1 gene received the CRISPRa injections at four weeks of age and thereafter maintained a healthy body weight. Mice that did not receive CRISPRa started gaining weight at six weeks of age and, by the time they were 10-weeks old, were severely obese. Ultimately, the CRISPRa-treated mice averaged 30 to 40% lighter than their untreated counterparts.

"We thought that if we could increase the dosage of the existing functional copy of the gene, we could prevent many human diseases in individuals harboring these mutations," said senior author Dr. Nadav Ahituv, professor of bioengineering and therapeutic sciences at the University of California, San Francisco.

Related Links:
University of California, San Francisco


Gold Member
Troponin T QC
Troponin T Quality Control
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Francisella Tularensis Test
TULAREMIA VIRCLIA IgG+IgM MONOTEST
New
Plasmodium Test
Plasmodium DNA Real Time PCR Kit
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: New automated lab procedures can detect opioids in tiny amounts of blood (Photo courtesy of Tripathi Lab/Brown University)

First-Of-Its-Kind Quantitative Method Assesses Opioid Exposure in Newborns

As the opioid crisis continues to impact communities across the United States, laboratories encounter significant difficulties in accurately detecting opioid substances in individuals with opioid use disorder.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: T cell immunity could be a marker for early Parkinson’s treatment (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

T Cells in Blood Can Detect Parkinson's Years Before Diagnosis

Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease before the appearance of motor symptoms remains one of neurology’s most significant challenges. Patients can go years—even decades—without a diagnosis, as subtle early indicators... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: A prototype of the lateral flow test (Photo courtesy of University of Exeter)

POC Lateral Flow Test Detects Deadly Fungal Infection Faster Than Existing Techniques

Diagnosing mucormycosis—an aggressive and often deadly fungal infection—remains a major challenge due to the disease’s rapid progression and the lack of fast, accurate diagnostic tools. The problem became... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.