New gene silencing may create disease cure

DALLAS, Aug 01, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A fresh technique of controlling the expression of genes at the DNA level might lead to new treatments or cures for many diseases, scientists said Monday.

"Virtually every disease starts at the level of malfunctioning gene expression, or viral or bacterial gene expression," said David Corey, professor of pharmacology and biochemistry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "This is an approach that could theoretically produce a drug for the treatment or cure of almost any disease."

The research, which Corey said represents the most significant findings thus far in his career, are the most definitive to date showing chromosomal DNA is accessible to and can be controlled by synthetic and natural molecules.

"With this information, one could easily turn on or off gene expression, as well as think about ways to correct genetic disease by changing mutant gene sequences back to normal," Corey said. "Those types of things now look a lot more feasible."

The study is detailed in two papers appearing in the online edition of the journal Nature Chemical Biology.