L E Stolz studies the potential of gene editing, specifically using a tool called CRISPR, to address high cholesterol levels in the body. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can lead to heart disease if levels are too high. Their recent work involved a study where they disabled a specific gene responsible for cholesterol production in monkeys. This approach shows promise for developing less invasive treatments for people who struggle with high cholesterol, potentially eliminating the need for lifelong medication.
Key findings
A single CRISPR injection in monkeys led to a 60% reduction in cholesterol levels.
The cholesterol levels remained low for at least 8 months after the single treatment.
The study suggests that this gene-editing technique could offer a long-lasting solution for heart disease patients.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Stolz study high cholesterol?
Yes, Dr. Stolz focuses on high cholesterol and develops gene-editing approaches to reduce cholesterol levels.
What treatments has Dr. Stolz researched?
Dr. Stolz has researched using CRISPR gene editing as a treatment to alter cholesterol production in the body.
Is Dr. Stolz's work relevant to heart disease patients?
Absolutely, their research aims to provide new, less invasive treatment options for heart disease patients by addressing cholesterol management.
Publications in plain English
In vivo CRISPR base editing of PCSK9 durably lowers cholesterol in primates.
2021
Nature
Musunuru K, Chadwick AC, Mizoguchi T, Garcia SP, DeNizio JE +37 more
Plain English Researchers used a gene-editing tool called CRISPR to permanently disable a gene in monkeys' livers that controls cholesterol production, delivering it through tiny fat particles injected into the bloodstream. After a single injection, the monkeys' cholesterol dropped by about 60% and stayed low for at least 8 months without any additional treatment. This proves that gene editing could offer heart disease patients a one-time treatment instead of taking cholesterol drugs for life.
Blocking FcRn in humans reduces circulating IgG levels and inhibits IgG immune complex-mediated immune responses.
2019
Science advances
Blumberg LJ, Humphries JE, Jones SD, Pearce LB, Holgate R +18 more
Plain English This research looked at a new treatment called SYNT001 that blocks a protein (FcRn) responsible for protecting a type of antibody (IgG) in the bloodstream. The study found that SYNT001 reduced all types of IgG and IgG immune complexes in people, suggesting it could help lower inflammation linked to autoimmune diseases. This matters because autoimmune diseases often involve harmful immune responses triggered by these IgG complexes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune diseases.
Characterization of anaphylaxis after ecallantide treatment of hereditary angioedema attacks.
2015
The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice
Craig TJ, Li HH, Riedl M, Bernstein JA, Lumry WR +4 more
Plain English This study looked at reactions to a drug called ecallantide, used to treat sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema. Out of 230 patients who received the drug, 8 experienced severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis, which is about 3.5%. These reactions occurred quickly but were treatable and did not lead to death, highlighting the importance of monitoring patients for allergic responses when they are treated with this drug.
Who this helps: This information helps patients and doctors by providing insight into the potential risks of ecallantide treatment.
Abdominal attacks and treatment in hereditary angioedema with C1-inhibitor deficiency.
2014
BMC gastroenterology
Rubinstein E, Stolz LE, Sheffer AL, Stevens C, Bousvaros A
Plain English This study focused on understanding the painful stomach attacks caused by hereditary angioedema (HAE) in both children and adults. Researchers found that almost half (49%) of attacks involved only abdominal symptoms, with many patients reporting bloating (77%), cramping (73%), and nausea (67%). When treated with ecallantide, patients experienced a significant improvement in symptoms within about 2.5 hours compared to more than 4 hours for those who received a placebo, which highlights the effectiveness of this treatment.
Who this helps: This benefits HAE patients who suffer from painful abdominal attacks and their doctors in managing the condition.
A phase 1 study investigating DX-2930 in healthy subjects.
2014
Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
Chyung Y, Vince B, Iarrobino R, Sexton D, Kenniston J +6 more
Plain English This study tested a new drug called DX-2930 on 32 healthy people to see how safe it is and how well it works. They found no serious side effects, with headaches being the most common mild issue reported in 25% of participants. The drug showed a consistent effect on a target linked to hereditary angioedema, suggesting it could be a good option for long-term treatment of this condition.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with hereditary angioedema.
Efficacy and safety of ecallantide in treatment of recurrent attacks of hereditary angioedema: open-label continuation study.
2013
Allergy and asthma proceedings
Lumry WR, Bernstein JA, Li HH, MacGinnitie AJ, Riedl M +6 more
Plain English This study looked at the drug ecallantide, which is used to treat people with hereditary angioedema (HAE), a condition that causes severe swelling episodes. Researchers found that ecallantide was effective over many episodes, with symptoms improving significantly within about an hour; patients reported a decrease in their symptoms by about 1.04 to 1.36 points on a severity scale. Importantly, the drug remained safe to use repeatedly, with only a small number of patients experiencing allergic reactions.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with hereditary angioedema who experience frequent swelling attacks.
Outcomes after ecallantide treatment of laryngeal hereditary angioedema attacks.
2013
Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
Sheffer AL, MacGinnitie AJ, Campion M, Stolz LE, Pullman WE
Plain English This study looked at how well ecallantide works for treating severe swelling in the throat caused by hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks. Out of 98 patients treated for 220 attacks, symptoms improved significantly with an average score change of -1.1 after 4 hours and -1.6 after 24 hours, indicating that patients felt better. While ecallantide was mostly effective and did not cause any deaths, there were some serious allergic reactions, so it should always be given under medical supervision.
Who this helps: Patients with hereditary angioedema.
Use of ecallantide in pediatric hereditary angioedema.
2013
Pediatrics
MacGinnitie AJ, Davis-Lorton M, Stolz LE, Tachdjian R
Plain English This study looked at the use of ecallantide, a treatment for hereditary angioedema (HAE), in children between 9 and 17 years old. Researchers found that patients who received ecallantide experienced greater relief from their symptoms, with a significant improvement in symptom severity within 4 hours compared to those who received a placebo. Notably, the average time for complete symptom relief was about 3 hours for those treated with ecallantide, and there were no serious side effects reported.
Who this helps: This benefits children and adolescents with hereditary angioedema.
Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of ecallantide for acute attacks of hereditary angioedema.
2012
Expert review of clinical immunology
Stolz LE, Sheffer AL
Plain English Researchers studied a drug called ecallantide to see how well it works in treating sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare genetic condition that causes painful swelling in various parts of the body. In their trials, ecallantide provided fast and lasting relief, effectively treating all types of attacks, including severe ones that could be life-threatening. This is significant because it offers a new way to manage a condition that can severely affect patients' quality of life.
Who this helps: This helps patients with hereditary angioedema.
Ecallantide for treatment of acute hereditary angioedema attacks: analysis of efficacy by patient characteristics.
2012
Allergy and asthma proceedings
MacGinnitie AJ, Campion M, Stolz LE, Pullman WE
Plain English This study looked at how well a medication called ecallantide works for treating attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE), a condition that causes painful swelling. The researchers found that ecallantide effectively treated 73 HAE attacks in patients, helping with both severe and moderate symptoms, regardless of whether the patient was male or female. However, it was less effective for patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, meaning those who are obese might not benefit as much.
Who this helps: This findings benefit patients with hereditary angioedema, especially those experiencing an attack.
Ecallantide: a plasma kallikrein inhibitor for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema.
2010
Drugs of today (Barcelona, Spain : 1998)
Stolz LE, Horn PT
Plain English This study focused on ecallantide, a new medication for treating sudden swelling attacks in people with hereditary angioedema (HAE). In clinical trials, patients who received a 30 mg dose of ecallantide experienced more significant symptom relief compared to those who got a placebo. This treatment is important because it offers a new option for managing acute attacks in adults aged 16 and older, though there are safety concerns about allergic reactions that need to be monitored.
Who this helps: This helps patients with hereditary angioedema.
Administration of myostatin does not alter fat mass in adult mice.
2008
Diabetes, obesity & metabolism
Stolz LE, Li D, Qadri A, Jalenak M, Klaman LD +1 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of myostatin, a protein known to limit muscle growth, on fat mass in adult mice. Researchers found that giving myostatin to the mice did not reduce their fat mass, even at higher doses, although it did lower muscle mass in some cases. This is important because it indicates that myostatin may not be a viable treatment option for obesity as previously thought.
Who this helps: This research is relevant for scientists and healthcare professionals exploring obesity treatment options.
Off-label use: an industry perspective on expanding use beyond approved indications.
2006
Journal of interventional cardiology
Russell ME, Friedman MI, Mascioli SR, Stolz LE
Plain English This research looked at how doctors use certain medical devices, like drug-eluting stents, outside of their approved purposes, known as off-label use. With over 7,000 patients' data collected, the study found that both on-label and off-label uses are common and documented key safety measures tied to these uses. Understanding this information helps companies like Boston Scientific improve their products and possibly seek new approvals based on real-world use.
Who this helps: This benefits patients who may need treatment options beyond what is currently approved.
Specificity determinants in phosphoinositide dephosphorylation: crystal structure of an archetypal inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase.
2001
Cell
Tsujishita Y, Guo S, Stolz LE, York JD, Hurley JH
Plain English The study focused on a specific enzyme called inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase, which plays a key role in various important processes inside cells. Researchers discovered how the structure of this enzyme changes when it interacts with calcium and a specific molecule, revealing why it selectively removes phosphate groups from certain compounds. They found that small changes in the enzyme could result in different behaviors, helping us understand how it works.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors studying conditions like Lowe syndrome and other related diseases.
SAC1-like domains of yeast SAC1, INP52, and INP53 and of human synaptojanin encode polyphosphoinositide phosphatases.
1999
The Journal of biological chemistry
Guo S, Stolz LE, Lemrow SM, York JD
Plain English This study looked at specific domains within proteins called SAC1, INP52, INP53, and the human protein synaptojanin to understand their role in breaking down certain lipids in yeast and human cells. Researchers found that these domains can effectively convert specific lipids into a simpler form, and cells lacking the SAC1 protein had significantly higher levels of certain lipids (up to 10 times more for one type). This is important because it highlights how these proteins help control cell structure and movement, which could have implications for understanding diseases related to cell signaling and transport.
Who this helps: This research helps scientists and medical professionals better understand cellular processes, potentially aiding in the development of treatments for related conditions.
Identification and characterization of an essential family of inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatases (INP51, INP52 and INP53 gene products) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
1998
Genetics
Stolz LE, Huynh CV, Thorner J, York JD
Plain English This study looked at three related proteins in yeast that are important for processing certain molecules called inositol polyphosphates. Researchers found that while individual mutations in the genes for these proteins (INP51, INP52, and INP53) don’t harm the yeast, combinations of these mutations can significantly affect growth, particularly when grown under stress conditions like cold or with added sugar. Notably, the yeast lacking all three proteins can't survive under normal conditions but can grow slightly in special environments, indicating these proteins are essential for normal cell function and structure.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying cell biology and could help improve our understanding of similar mechanisms in human health.
INP51, a yeast inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase required for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate homeostasis and whose absence confers a cold-resistant phenotype.
1998
The Journal of biological chemistry
Stolz LE, Kuo WJ, Longchamps J, Sekhon MK, York JD
Plain English The researchers studied a gene called INP51 in yeast that helps manage certain fats important for cell function. They found that when this gene was removed, the yeast could grow much better at low temperatures, specifically 2 to 4 times faster at temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius, compared to regular yeast. This matters because understanding how to regulate these fats could lead to improved growth in colder conditions, which might be useful for industries that utilize yeast.
Who this helps: This benefits scientists and industries that use yeast for brewing, baking, or biotechnology.
Hybridization of biotinylated oligo(dT) for eukaryotic mRNA quantitation.
1996
Molecular biotechnology
Stolz LE, Tuan RS
Plain English This study introduces a new method for accurately measuring the amount of messenger RNA (mRNA) in cells. The researchers developed a technique that uses a special probe to specifically target and quantify mRNA, leading to more reliable results than existing methods that can be influenced by unrelated RNA levels. This matters because having accurate mRNA measurements helps researchers better understand gene expression, which is important in studying diseases and developing treatments.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists working in genetics and disease research.