12-06-2006, 07:52 AM
<!--emo&:cool--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/specool.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='specool.gif' /><!--endemo--> Melman and his colleagues experimented with a gene dubbed hMaxi-K. The gene creates additional molecules in the smooth muscle cells of the penis that can help potassium ions flow out. This basically relaxes muscle cells in the penis, allowing blood flow required for an erection.
"There appears to be a change in expression of this gene with aging or disease," Melman explained. "So we're actually correcting a problem with this."
All About DNA
Since there have been adverse results using viruses as agents to transfer genes into humans, the researchers instead chose to transfer the hMaxi-K gene using "naked DNA," or DNA stripped of any proteins. "Naked DNA is the least efficient vector for gene transfer, but the most safe," Melman said.
The therapy was injected into the penises of men aged 42 to 80. The phase I clinical trial has found it safe in the 11 men it tested. Importantly, the transferred gene was not seen in the men's semen, meaning they should not pass it to the partners.
Melman said this therapy "doesn't preclude the use of drugs like Viagra or Cialis. If the gene therapy by itself doesn't cure the problem, maybe other medications at lower doses can."
The findings will be detailed in the journal Human Gene Therapy.
"There appears to be a change in expression of this gene with aging or disease," Melman explained. "So we're actually correcting a problem with this."
All About DNA
Since there have been adverse results using viruses as agents to transfer genes into humans, the researchers instead chose to transfer the hMaxi-K gene using "naked DNA," or DNA stripped of any proteins. "Naked DNA is the least efficient vector for gene transfer, but the most safe," Melman said.
The therapy was injected into the penises of men aged 42 to 80. The phase I clinical trial has found it safe in the 11 men it tested. Importantly, the transferred gene was not seen in the men's semen, meaning they should not pass it to the partners.
Melman said this therapy "doesn't preclude the use of drugs like Viagra or Cialis. If the gene therapy by itself doesn't cure the problem, maybe other medications at lower doses can."
The findings will be detailed in the journal Human Gene Therapy.