UC researchers find new ways to regulate genes, reduce heart damage

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are looking at ways to reduce post-heart attack heart damage by studying the way cells die, a process controlled by genetic transcription factors. According to UC HealthNews, transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific parts of DNA and are part of a system that controls the transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA and then to protein. As presented at the International Society for Heart Research meeting in Cincinnati from June 17-20, UC researchers have identified a way to flood cells with transcription factor decoys, allowing them to identify target genes and then investigate the actions of those genes in the biological process. The researchers hope that this new method can allow them to directly address the effects of gene regulation in disease, rather than using standard drugs that only treat symptoms.

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