CRISPR and low cholesterol: An unexpected treatment for sluggish hearts

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• June 8, 2022

Insight summary

CRISPR technology is being harnessed to precisely edit genes, potentially offering a powerful tool against high cholesterol, a prevalent health issue linked to serious heart conditions. The approach, which is under rigorous testing, has shown promising results in reducing cholesterol levels significantly in animal trials, paving the way for personalized healthcare strategies. While the initial findings are promising, the irreversible nature of the biological changes induced poses a considerable hurdle, calling for cautious progression and stringent regulatory frameworks.

Context around gene-editing reducing cholesterol

CRISPR is a technology that can edit genes precisely by locating a specific piece of DNA inside a cell and then initiating a process that alters that DNA segment to produce a desired effect or result. Scientists across a range of disciplines are using this innovation for novel applications, especially in the broad healthcare field. One such application includes addressing heart disease, the leading cause of death in most developed nations.

Cholesterol performs several essential functions in the human body. The chemical, for example, is found in cell membranes and is required by the body to produce vitamin D and select hormones. Excess cholesterol in the form of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is, on the other hand, a risk factor for atherosclerosis, which is the constriction of the heart's arteries due to the deposition of fatty plaques and can result in a heart attack or stroke. Eggs, red meat, and butter are rich sources of cholesterol, which the body produces in the liver. Some people appear to be genetically susceptible to high blood cholesterol levels regardless of their diet.

A group of scientists from Verve Therapeutics and the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine discovered a CRISPR gene-editing approach that reduced cholesterol levels in the blood of test monkeys. The researchers measured the monkeys' cholesterol levels regularly after the treatment. After a week, the scientists determined that PCSK9 protein levels had dropped by around 90 percent, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels had dropped by about 60 percent. According to the researchers, these ratios lasted at least 10 months. It was further suggested that these results suggest that the treatment could be suitable for human testing. However, healthcare authorities have shown a hesitance to approve these types of CRISPR-based procedures because of the (current) impossibility of reversing the biological changes CRISPR induces—an outcome that could lead to unforeseen consequences.

Disruptive impact

By the 2030s, once the safety and efficacy of these treatments are substantiated, along with the development of methods to reverse CRISPR interventions, it may become a potent tool in addressing a range of prevalent health conditions. The technology promises to alleviate the health burdens of those predisposed to high cholesterol levels, enhancing their quality of life and potentially extending lifespan.

Moreover, individuals may find peace of mind knowing that they have the option to reverse the effects of CRISPR interventions if necessary. This flexibility could foster a more personalized approach to healthcare, where treatments are tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each person. For companies operating in the healthcare and wellness industries, the widespread adoption of CRISPR for cholesterol management signals a paradigm shift. Businesses may need to recalibrate their strategies to integrate this new treatment modality, fostering collaborations with biotechnological firms to facilitate research and development.

Meanwhile, governments face the dual task of fostering innovation while ensuring the safety and ethical deployment of CRISPR technologies. Regulatory bodies may need to develop frameworks to oversee the application of this technology, ensuring it is used responsibly and benefits a wide swath of the population, avoiding potential misuse or inequitable access. This era heralds an opportunity for a more proactive approach to healthcare.

Implications of CRISPR being applied to treat cholesterol

The wider implications of CRISPR technology being used to treat increasingly common health conditions include:

• Addressing pre-existing conditions in patients, such as osteoporosis or poor eyesight.
• New treatments being developed to treat previously untreatable diseases, such as cancer, leukemia, and Alzheimer's. 
• Assisting people to combat obesity and its related diseases, which can be combined with other techniques such as dieting and exercise.
• The wellness industry evolving to include personalized CRISPR treatments for customers as an alternative to people changing their lifestyle or fitness habits. 
• Long-term reductions in government healthcare spending should the widescale application of CRISPR medications improve a population’s overall health by statistically meaningful levels.
• Potential rogue states and organizations using this technology to engineer novel bioweapons targeted at specific populations. 

Questions to consider

• Do you believe CRISPR treatments can be abused to the degree that it causes more harm than good?
• What areas of human health should CRISPR treatments be restricted from, if any?