Researchers from the Swiss natural science and engineering university ETHZurichhave developed a self regulating biological gene network that they believe will make gout and kidney stones a thing of the past.

As humans evolved, we lost an enzyme that helps control levels of uric acid in the body. The enzyme, urate oxydase, is still present in most mammals, working to keep their uric acid in check. Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down purines. Purines are natural substances found in all cells and almost all foods.

In the right quantity, uric acid is a powerful anti-oxidant and an important part of the detoxification process. But when blood levels get too high (over 6.8 mg/dl), the excess uric acid crystallizes into needle sharp crystals in the joints and tissues surrounding the joints, causing a painful form of arthritis known as gout. Excess uric acid can also be deposited in the kidneys as kidney stones.

Determined to reconstruct a system to keep uric acid in check in humans, the ETH researchers put together a biological network of genes they call UREX. The network has three components: a uric acid sensor that constantly monitors uric acid levels, a genetic circuit, and a component that releases urate oxydase into the blood.

The three components are programmed to perform certain functions both independently and in synch with each other, without any outside assistance. When the sensor detects high concentrations of uric acid, it automatically relays that information to the genetic circuit, which triggers the third component to release urate oxydase to lower uric acid levels to a healthy balance.

Amazingly, the gene network is contained in a single cell. Roughly two million of these cells are enclosed in a tiny implantable porous gelatin capsule for protection against an immune system attack. The implant can be removed at any time with no consequence.
 

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