HIV Blocking Gene Discovered

[Tuckerfan]

It appears that humans have the gene, we just need to know how to turn it on.

A team of researchers at the University of Alberta has discovered a gene that is able to block HIV, and in turn prevent the onset of AIDS.

Stephen Barr, a molecular virologist in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, says his team has identified a gene called TRIM22 that can block HIV infection in a cell culture by preventing the assembly of the virus.

“When we put this gene in cells, it prevents the assembly of the HIV virus,” said Barr, a postdoctoral fellow. “This means the virus cannot get out of the cells to infect other cells, thereby blocking the spread of the virus.”

Hopefully this will lead to better treatments very soon.

[brujaja]

!!!YYayy!!!

[susan]

Cool, though I’d also like to know what else it does when tinkered with.

[Ferret_Herder]

We do already know a few different ways to block HIV. This one just happens to concentrate on a particular way of blocking it - not that it goes into any real detail in the article - and considering the speed with which this virus can become resistant to drugs that use these different methods of stopping the virus (not to mention the drugs’ side effects), having another tool in the toolbox is a good thing.

[ASAKMOTSD]

Of course, when you turn on the gene, you probably become completely androgynous, grow an arm from your forehead, and quills like a porcupine.

[StGermain]

I want an arm from my forehead!

StG

[Miller]

@ASAKMOTSD

Of course, when you turn on the gene, you probably become completely androgynous, grow an arm from your forehead, and quills like a porcupine.

So there’s no downside at all, is what you’re saying?

[Flander]

Isn’t this how I AM LEGEND started?

[Mama_Tiger]

It would make me incredibly happy to have quills like a porcupine that I could fling at people who annoy me.

[KneadToKnow]

Am I the only one amused by the name of this gene?

[Ludovic]

@KneadToKnow

Am I the only one amused by the name of this gene?

TRIM22 makes you lose weight quick!

[KneadToKnow]

@Ludovic

TRIM22 makes you lose weight quick!

Actually, I was thinking more along these lines. (Not the boat one.)

[Flander]

“Trim - Now helping fight AIDS instead of giving it to you.”

[Thudlow_Boink]

@StGermain

I want an arm from my forehead!

Everybody wants prosthetic foreheads on their real heads.

[ShibbOleth]

Does some of the normal population naturally come with this gene switched on?