Gene editing, or genome editing, is a technology that allows for a living organism’s DNA to be altered by adding or removing genetic material.
This technology helps to treat genetic disorders and other acquired diseases. Let’s see the major breakthroughs in gene editing that have made it faster, cheaper and more efficient.
Discovered in 2012, CRISPR-Cas9 allows scientists to do cheaper, safer and more precise modifications in DNA. It helps change single DNA letters without cutting entire strands.
Introduced in 2019, this ‘search and replace’ system allows DNA to be edited with minimal errors. It can potentially treat more than 89% of known genetic diseases.
Gene editing is now helpful in treating some rare diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy and Tay-Sachs disease by directly targeting genetic roots.
This technology is also enabling transformed agriculture as altered crops are more capable to withstand drought, pests and climate change.
Gene editing has been accelerating cancer research, offering better survival rates for cancer patients and making way for personalised treatment by altering immune cells.
While gene editing offers revolutionary benefits, it also raises ethical concerns about editing human embryos and creating modified organisms.
If used responsibly, gene editing can potentially revolutionise the treatment of many genetic disorders and diseases like cancer, and also advance personalised medicine.
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