Researchers have made a breakthrough with CRISPR genome-editing technology. The results of laboratory tests reveal that the use of a new ‘dud’ enzyme to cut out disease-causing gene DNA molecules reduces the amount of damage caused, and therefore allows for greater accuracy. A team led by researchers at Harvard Medical School has discovered how to make an enzyme, called Cas9, which cuts out genes in human cells without harming normal cells.
Researchers have made a breakthrough with CRISPR genome-editing technology. The results of laboratory tests reveal that the use of a new ‘dud’ enzyme to cut out disease-causing gene DNA molecules reduces the amount of damage caused, and therefore allows for greater accuracy. While scientists agree more research needs to be done, Harvard University biologist George Church said the new version of CRISPR “offers a huge step forward”.