Gene therapy tackles Obesity

Researchers have developed a gene therapy, which has resulted in a 20% reduction of body weight and improved insulin resistance and inflammation after just six weeks of treatment in obese mice.

This specific gene silencing therapy targets fatty acid metabolism gene, Fabp4, using CRISPR interference system wherein catalytically dead Cas9 protein, and single guide RNA was targeted to white adipocytes with a tissue-specific fusion peptide.

The complex is internalised with little toxicity to the cells and upon internalisation, the molecule complex decreases the expression of Fabp4 and reduces lipid storage in adipocytes.

This RNA-guided DNA recognition platform provides a simple and safe approach to regress and treat obesity and obesity-induced metabolic syndromes.