Ricki Lewis

DNA is a persistent molecule. Genome sequencing is possible for creatures as ancient as mummies and mammoths. But the messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules that translate a gene’s information into a specific protein are more ephemeral, waxing and waning in a tissue over time, even after death, due to the instability of the sugar part of the molecule.

A multinational team has adapted the changeability of gene expression – mRNA production – into a computational tool that uses transcriptomes – the sets of mRNAs in particular body parts – to deduce time since death. In forensics terms, that’s the postmortem interval (PMI). Roderic Guigó led the team that includes researchers from Portugal, Spain, and the Broad Institute at Harvard. Their report appears in Nature Communications.

The Worms Crawl In, The Worms Crawl Out Read More 

Seeing Crigler-Najjar syndrome among recent news releases announcing upcoming gene therapy efforts conjured immediate images of an Amish farmhouse with a spooky blue glow emanating from an upstairs bedroom, where a small child, clad only in diapers and wearing goggles, slept beneath a “light canopy” suspended from the ceiling. The light – phototherapy or “bili lights” – breaks down the accumulating bilirubin that the tiny yellow body beneath cannot.

Most cases of neonatal jaundice are due to a transient blood type incompatability or blocked bile ducts, and vanish within days. Not so

Crigler-Najjar syndrome, which hampers the ability to convert the bile pigment bilirubin into a soluble form that easily exits in feces. Read More 

I’m happy to see that fears about using CRISPR to edit human genes have dampened over the past year, but it’s still fun perusing the hyperbolic headlines:

They’re going to CRISPR people. What could possibly go wrong?

The Very Real Dangers of New Gene-Editing Technology

“How Gene Editing Could Ruin Human Evolution”

Since being fortunate enough a few years ago to find myself one of only two journalists in the press room at a genetic conference with two of CRISPR/Cas9’s inventors, I’ve made an effort to highlight exciting, beneficial uses of gene editing techniques, such as applications in "http://blogs.plos.org/dnascience/2017/06/29/can-crispr-conquer-huntingtons/">Huntington’s disease, sickle cell disease, and split-hand/foot malformation. Read More 

Videos of the "butterfly children” are difficult to watch. The name comes from the delicate skin of people who have epidermolysis bullosa, which is reminiscent of the fragility of a butterfly’s wings. The slightest touch evokes painful blisters and peeling skin.

“I was born with the worst disease you never heard of,” says Rafi Lily in one video. “I know mom doesn’t want to hurt me, but taking off bandages is hard. It feels like fire is beating me up and sharp dogs teeth are digging into me. But we’ll have to do it all over tomorrow and the next day and every day for the rest of my life.” Read More 

Imagine a single injection into the knee vanquishing painful arthritis – forever. Gene therapies aimed at two molecular targets will likely make that possible, with one, Invossa, already approved in South Korea.

“Arthritis” is a catch-all term for more than 100 varieties of joint inflammation. In the US, more than 30 million people have osteoarthritis (OA). The knee is particularly vulnerable, with arthritis there plaguing 10% of men and 13% of women aged 60 years or older.

Four events contribute to arthritis: inflammation, an increase in the volume of synovial fluid that fills joints, breakdown of the joint, and underlying bone damage.  Read More 

The Today Show recently reported the sad story of Henry Engel—the toddler son of correspondent Richard Engel and his wife Mary Forrest who was diagnosed a few months ago with Rett syndrome.

The segment mentioned, in passing, that it’s rare for a boy to have this genetic condition, but never followed up. A report in People provides a bit more explanation, but still not enough. Read More