High levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream can lead to hypercholesterolemia, a condition that damages arteries and raises the risk of heart disease. Now, researchers from the University of Barcelona and the University of Oregon have developed a promising new approach to control cholesterol levels, offering a potential new way to combat atherosclerosis, which occurs when fatty plaques build up in artery walls.

The research team focused on PCSK9, a protein that plays a central role in regulating levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often called "bad" cholesterol. They designed a method to block the production of this protein using specialized DNA-based molecules known as polypurine hairpins (PPRH). By suppressing PCSK9, the treatment helps cells absorb more cholesterol, reducing the amount circulating in the blood and limiting buildup in the arteries.…