Gene-editing tool, CRISPR, might "inadvertently" alter 123 times more sites in a genome than required, and scientists might not even be aware it is happening, thanks to inaccurate algorithms, according to Dr J Keith Joung of Massachusetts General Hospital. Those working with CRISPR said the "off-target" effects occurred less frequently when "high quality" RNA samples were used, but "random mutations and genetic variations" presented major obstacles to the science, he told a workshop on gene editing at the American Society of Hematology.
Gene-editing tool, CRISPR, might "inadvertently" alter up to 150 times more sites in a genome than required, and scientists might not even be aware it is happening, thanks to inaccurate algorithms, according to Dr J Keith Joung of Massachusetts General Hospital. Those working with CRISPR said the "off-target" effects occurred less frequently when "high quality" RNA samples were used, but "random mutations and genetic variations" presented major obstacles to the science, he told a workshop on gene editing at the American Society of Hematology.