Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have successfully used molecules comprised of small strands of RNA to shut down the production of destructive proteins generated by the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, the researchers are working to aerosolize the RNA molecules so that they could be incorporated in an inhalable drug that would mitigate viral chaos. The finding appears online today in Gene Therapy.
A key to the Georgetown research efforts was the use of either microRNA (miRNA) or silencing RNA (siRNA, also known as small interfering RNA), both of which are RNA molecules. These molecules can guide the ultimate expression of how protein production occurs in a virus. And it is the proteins produced by SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) that wreak havoc in people.
SARS-CoV-2 bears biological similarities to other respiratory viruses, such as the seasonal flu. The use of Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) to treat and prevent infection from the flu has proved to be helpful in lessening flu symptoms and its lethality in some people.
Morning to you 2Greys and after reading your post, which is very interesting, I'm going to look at the Gene Therapy. Research Paper, to read up on their findings. Trust both yourself & Sharon are doing well and COVID-19 hasn't reared its ugly head again. 🐿🌈x
We are both feeling well, thank you. Sharon's weekly testing resumed again last week, the rule is, after a positive test to wait 6 weeks before resuming again. Last week's was negative this week's results not in yet.
If she gets tested positive again that will be for the fourth time! Not meaning she has Covid for the forth time though. Which will also mess up hospital appointments for me yet again. I am due a CT scan this month to look for progression of the new found lung fibrosis in my top, right lobe, which is not working properly anyway, from a large benign nodule blocking one of it's main Bronchioles and I will also be getting a Colonoscopy soon, I had the blood test for that 3 days ago.
Gosh you two certainly need to keep your diaries in synchronisation as you've got a lot going on. Fingers crossed for you when you have your CT scan sometime this month. Then Sharon, having to keep track of when she's due another test, when results are due and all that apprehension done for probably 12 hours a day at work under pressure and wrapped up in layers of hot PPE!😷😤🤧😷!! Sharon must truly love her job and we the people of this Island, should be forever grateful. (Obviously not forgetting ALL the health workers). Try and have a relaxing time this weekend. 🐿🌈.
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