Archive · 5 Sep 2025
Scientists Revive Ancient Gene to Treat Gout and Uric Acid
Imagine your body has a waste product called uric acid that can cause a painful disease called gout.
Scientists found a gene called uricase that used to help get rid of this waste but disappeared millions of years ago.
Now, these scientists brought that old gene back to life in the lab!
They hope it can break down the uric acid, preventing gout and other problems like kidney or liver issues.
By using the reactivated gene, they are working to find new treatments to help people with high uric acid levels, which could lead to better health.
Scientists revived the uricase gene, lost from the human genome millions of years ago.
The uricase gene produces an enzyme that breaks down uric acid.
High uric acid causes gout, a painful condition.
The research was conducted by scientists at Georgia State University.
The goal is to create treatments for gout and hyperuricemia.
- Who
- Researchers Lais Balico and Eric Gaucher
- What
- Revived the uricase gene to treat gout and related issues.
- When
- Not specified in the articles.
- Where
- Georgia State University.
- Why
- To treat gout and reduce high levels of uric acid.
- Researchers
- Lais Balico and Eric Gaucher
- Institution
- Georgia State University
- Gene Targeted
- Uricase
- Condition
- Gout
- Primary Cause
- High uric acid