CRISPR controlling genes in mice

Biologists in UC San Diego have created the first CRISPR/CAS9 approach to control the genetic inheritance in mammals—specifically mice. 

This proved difficult and a new advancement than performing this procedure with insects because the lifespan difference/development between the two. By first genetically controlling the inheritance of a specific genotypes in animal models, this could lead to further alteration of inherited human diseases. 

An engineered "Copycat" DNA is a self-replicating DNA that by copying and pasting the gene code to different chromosomes can lead to the target gene being inherited. 

Success was declared when Copycat DNA presented white fur instead of black on the mice. Due to the success in converting one genotype from heterozygous to homozygous, biologists in Cooper lab are aiming to see if they are able to control three genes in mice. This new feat—controlling multiple genes—can further develop in not just animal models but human diseases as well.  

 

From the way I see it, the success of the experiment through mice serves a great step in genetics since the copycat DNA was able to continue through the offsprings. Like what the researchers and scientists have mentioned, by genetically controlling these specific genotype this could eventually lead to the deletion of mutations of diseases that prove to be deadly. While there is a lot of opinions on consequences of gene-editing, I still believe that this could be an alternative solution for painful medications.