Each week brings new discoveries that help us better understand the body and improve care for patients. This week, PatientWing is looking at four exciting studies in gene editing, multiple sclerosis research, and weight loss treatment. These findings show how medical research continues to grow and find new ways to help people live healthier, longer lives.
Scientists have developed a gentler form of CRISPR gene editing that could make gene therapy safer for patients. Unlike earlier methods that cut DNA strands, this new approach works by removing tiny chemical tags that keep genes switched off. The research was done at UNSW Sydney and published in Nature Communications.
For years, scientists have debated whether these chemical tags, called methyl groups, actually silence genes or just happen to appear near inactive ones. This study proved that removing them can turn genes back on, while adding them switches genes off again. This gives researchers a new tool to control gene activity without making permanent changes to the DNA itself.
The findings could lead to safer treatments for genetic conditions like sickle cell disease. Current gene therapies for sickle cell work by cutting DNA, which carries some risk of unintended effects. This new method may offer a way to reactivate helpful genes with fewer side effects, opening the door to treatments that are both effective and easier on the body.
Source: This CRISPR breakthrough turns genes on without cutting DNA
Many people with multiple sclerosis struggle with balance and coordination. A new study from UC Riverside has uncovered a hidden reason why. Researchers found that inflammation in the brain disrupts the energy supply of neurons (Purkinje cells) that control movement.
Multiple sclerosis affects about 2.3 million people worldwide. In most cases, the disease involves inflammation in the cerebellum, a part of the brain that helps with balance and coordinated movement. The study showed that this inflammation damages the mitochondria inside brain cells. Mitochondria are tiny structures that supply energy to cells, often called the "powerhouses" of the cell.
When the mitochondria fail, the neurons that control movement weaken and eventually die. This leads to the balance problems and coordination issues that many people with MS experience over time. The researchers believe that protecting these energy systems in brain cells could be a new way to slow down symptoms and improve quality of life for patients.
Source: Why multiple sclerosis slowly steals balance and movement
A new study comparing weight loss treatments found that bariatric surgery led to significantly more weight loss than popular GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. The research looked at real-world data from more than 50,000 patients over two years.
Patients who had bariatric surgery lost about 28% of their body weight on average, compared to about 10% for those taking GLP-1 drugs. The study also found that 96% of surgery patients maintained at least 10% weight loss after two years, compared to 46% of patients on medication. Surgery was also associated with lower overall costs because GLP-1 drugs require ongoing prescriptions.
This does not mean surgery is right for everyone. GLP-1 medications have helped many people manage their weight and improve their health. But for patients with severe obesity, the study suggests that surgery may offer longer-lasting results. Talking with a care team can help patients understand which option may work best for their situation.
Source: Bariatric surgery vs. GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity treatment
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a possible biomarker that could help doctors identify which patients with multiple sclerosis are most likely to get worse over time. The findings were published in Nature Immunology and validated in both animal models and humans.
The biomarker involves a ratio of two immune signals in the brain and spinal fluid. When this ratio is high, it appears to signal that a patient is experiencing a type of hidden inflammation linked to MS progression. This kind of inflammation has been hard to detect until now, making it difficult for doctors to know which patients need more aggressive treatment.
The discovery could help match patients with the right treatments earlier. Some newer MS drugs work best for people with this specific type of inflammation. By identifying these patients sooner, doctors may be able to slow the disease before more damage occurs. The researchers hope this biomarker will improve how clinical trials are designed and help more people get the care they need.
Source: Study identifies potential biomarker linked to MS progression
Science grows through small steps, and each study adds important information. These findings help us learn more about how gene editing is becoming safer, why MS affects movement, how weight loss treatments compare, and how doctors may soon predict disease progression more accurately.
We share the Weekly Wing to bring clear, simple updates to patients and families so they can stay informed and encouraged about medical research advances. As clinical research continues to move forward, we hope these stories offer a sense of progress and possibility each week.
Looking to participate in clinical research? Contact the PatientWing team to learn about study opportunities that may be right for you.
Come back next week for more updates from The Weekly Wing.
