Genetics breakthrough enables scientists to edit any part of human genome, report claims
According to The Independent a new technique, known as Crispr has been discovered in Britain. This would allow scientists to engineer parts of the human genome with precision and accuracy. Originally developed to alter the DNA of crops and livestock, it is now being looked at to treat diseases such as cancer and inherited genetic disorders. Crispr works by using an RNA guide molecule that can be programmed to match any unique DNA sequence. The molecule is attached to a special enzyme that cut both strands of the DNA double helix. After this is done the then copied DNA is inserted back inot the double helix. Then the defecrtive DNA is deleted.
Link:
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/11/07/report-genetics-breakthrough-enables-scientists-to-edit-any-part-human-genome
Related Links:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/exclusive-jawdropping-breakthrough-hailed-as-landmark-in-fight-against-hereditary-diseases-as-crispr-technique-heralds-genetic-revolution-8925295.html
http://www.genome-engineering.org/crispr/
Crispr, sounds like a great breakthrough. Funny how things are developed for one purpose but actually can be used for more beneficial uses. A lot of genetic disorders and other diseases like cancer that can be eradicated or at least subsided. Hope it continues to have good results in the future.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree, however the trouble will come in as the experiment continues. The segment of code to remove will be difficult to code into the molecule to repair the cell. There could be multiple locations which have the same code sequence and improper replacement could occur.
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