CRISPR-Cas9 can generate unexpected, heritable mutations, says study
Uppsala [Sweden], February 6 : CRISPR-Cas9 is the "genetic scissors," that creates new potential for curing diseases. But the treatments must be reliable. In a new study, researchers have discovered that the method can give rise to unforeseen changes in DNA that can be inherited by the next generation. These scientists have therefore urged caution and meticulous validation before using CRISPR-Cas9 for medical purposes.
The study was led by researchers at Uppsala University and SciLifeLab's National Genomics Infrastructure (NGI). It was published in 'Nature Communications'.
CRISPR-Cas9 is an effective tool for genome modification in microorganisms, as well as animals and plants. In health care, the method creates scope for curing numerous genetic diseases, provided the DNA is modified correctly and undergoes no unexpected changes. To date, such unwanted mutations have been studied in cells, but knowledge of the consequences in living organisms remains limited.
( Details and picture courtesy ANI, the content is auto-generated from the feed.)
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