THE DOSA CODE: ONE GENE, THREE DISORDERS

NEWs: Bengaluru researchers now show that, for some, all three (being overweight, having a weak heart, or struggling with sleep (apnoea)) stem from a single genetic disorder.

ABOUT

• All threeà being overweight, having a weak heart, or struggling with sleep (apnoea)) = stem from a single genetic disorder
• They call this condition DOSAàAn acronym for dilated cardiomyopathy (heart weakening), obesity, and sleep apnoea.
• The analysisà DNA revealed a “glitch” in the ‘KCNA2’ gene.
  • This gene acts as a gatekeeper for potassiumàkeeping the heart beating steadily.
  • In DOSA, these “gates” get trapped inside the cell — causing a biological traffic jam.
  • This triggers a false alarm in the RAC1-ERK pathwayà Stays permanently ON.
  • The result: a weaker heart, excess fat storage, and disrupted sleep.
• Bengaluru team worked with scientists in Estoniaà identified people across the world with the same genetic glitch and symptoms.
• DOSA is a global condition, not limited to one region.

Simple solution

• Researchers grew “beating heart cells” and 3D organoid models from patients’ skin cells and tested Simvastatinàa common, affordable cholesterol drug.
• In the lab, the drug halted the harmful reaction, improved heart function, reduced body fat, and even aided sleep.

This is a gamechanger

• This Made-in-India researchà lifts the stigma for patients who struggle with weight and heart issues despite healthy habits
• More clinical trialsàNeeded before Simvastatin (a common, affordable cholesterol drug) can be prescribed for DOSA
• Understanding DNA-à may lead to simple, affordable treatments for complex diseases.