Klogene and Boston University Scientists are First to use CRISPR for Activation of the Life Extension and Cognition Enhancing Klotho Gene
Jan 22, 2018, 08:11 ET
BOSTON, Jan. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In a paper published today in Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, scientists from Klogene Therapeutics, Inc. and Boston University School of Medicine showed efficient transcriptional activation of the anti-aging multifunctional gene Klotho by CRISPR-dCas9.
CRISPR is a gene editing technology introduced in 2012. It works like a pair of scissors that cut DNA, inserting or reordering bits of genetic code. It is currently used in cancer treatment clinical trials. Scientists expect additional clinical trials within five years.
Klotho is a naturally occurring pleiotropic human protein that has been shown to have potential therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's as well as multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, certain cancers, and more. Higher levels of Klotho are associated with longevity and improved cognitive functions.
"We are excited to be the first to demonstrate feasibility of CRISPR based Klotho gene regulation using single-guided RNA, targeting the promoter region," said Dr. Cidi Chen, senior research scientist at Klogene and Research Associate Professor at Boston University School of Medicine.
"We are proud of this new accomplishment. Klogene has assembled a world-class team with skills in small molecule drug development, gene therapy, genome editing and biologics. We are applying all of these capabilities, and our patent-pending technologies, to our mission of curing debilitating diseases by enhancing the expression of the Klotho gene," said Menachem Abraham, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Klogene. The company, headquartered in Boston, has signed a number of research agreements with academic institutions and a small biotech firm. "We have active collaborations, including pre-clinical studies in disease models, in Europe, Israel and the United States," explained Abraham. "In addition to our own lab, on the Boston University School of Medicine campus, we make extensive use of contract research organizations, leading academic laboratories in our field, as well as other focused biotech startups," he added.
About Klogene Therapeutics, Inc.
Klogene is developing therapies, based on increasing the level of anti-aging multifunctional protein Klotho, targeting neurodegenerative diseases, kidney disease, cancer and more.
Media Contact: Menachem Abraham 1-781-718-5102 [email protected]
http://www.theverge.com/a/verge-2021/jennifer-doudna-crispr-gene-editing-healthcare
SOURCE Klogene Therapeutics, Inc.