Epigenome editing: Single injection could cut cholesterol level for years

Tests in mice show that it is possible to switch off a gene in liver cells for at least 220 days, which should lower cholesterol and cut the risk of heart disease

By Michael Le Page

A one-off injection might be able to permanently reduce the risk of heart disease by reversibly switching off a gene in the liver, according to a study in mice. The findings suggest that the approach used, called epigenome editing, can produce long-term changes in gene activity without the potential risks associated with permanent gene editing.

Liver cells produce a protein called PCSK9 that breaks down another protein that removes cholesterol from the blood. This means that blocking the …