Ancient Gene Resurrected: A Key to Future Health?

Scientists have successfully revived an ancient gene that humanity lost millions of years ago, offering a potential new weapon against modern diseases. Using advanced CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, a team at Georgia State University reconstructed the uricase enzyme gene and introduced it into human liver cells. The lab results demonstrated that these cells could produce uricase, effectively breaking down uric acid and preventing its buildup.

This resurrected gene was once present in early human ancestors, aiding in the breakdown of uric acid, a metabolic waste product. Its loss around 20 to 29 million years ago may have once offered a survival advantage related to diet changes. Now, its absence contributes to conditions like gout and fatty liver disease. The research team's success in lab-grown liver tissues indicates a promising path toward restoring natural metabolic pathways.

While currently confined to laboratory settings, the implications are significant, potentially leading to treatments for gout, cardiovascular disease, and kidney issues. The team is planning to advance to animal testing and subsequently human trials, aiming to ensure the gene's stability and safety. This pioneering work highlights the potential of reintroducing lost genetic functions to address contemporary health challenges.