Genetics of cholesterol point to possible drug targets for heart disease, diabetes

[Northerner]

From the DNA of nearly 300,000 veterans, scientists have singled out a handful of genetic mutations that not only govern levels of cholesterol, but may also inform the development and use of drugs for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the Palo Alto Veteran Affairs Health Care System.

Scientists zeroed in on three mutations that disrupt the function of their respective genes. That might sound bad, but in this case, it's actually beneficial, as veterans who carried one of these mutations showed improved cholesterol profiles in their blood and a decreased risk of either heart disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms or diabetes, depending on the gene mutation.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181001114255.htm

 

[grovesy]

It seems that genetic variants have roles in many conditions. Not surprising though. I do wonder about the implications for the cost of testing and limitations.

 

[mikeyB]

The easier and cheaper gene sequencing gets, we hear stories like this all the time. What we don’t hear about is the slew of drugs promised.

 

[Northerner]

I'd highly recommend reading 'The Epigenetics Revolution' by Nessa Carey - a very readable account of the subject 🙂

 

[mikeyB]

Thanks for that, Northie. I’ll get that just as soon as I finish the two books queued on my Kindle.🙂

Still stand by my comment, though. Most work at the moment is targeting cancer treatments - but using known drugs.

 

[grovesy]

Added to wish list.