Science imposes its immense impact on medical advancement so rapidly these days that a technique that was introduced in 2014 seems almost historic now. News of a recent study by researchers however, has brought the gene-editing breakthrough of that year back into the glare of public spotlight.
As with so many other new treatments this one is known by its abbreviated format - Crispr-Cas9. Its obscure name nevertheless manages to attract profound scientific attention in an exciting area of genetic disease.
CRISPR-Cas9 has recently hit the headlines as a technology that is dramatically changing the way researchers are developing breakthrough cancer treatments .
This system, adapted from a naturally occurring process, is being used to precisely and efficiently edit DNA (the material that transfers our genetic characteristics); it is seen as a robust method in laboratory tests and for identifying novel therapeutic targets in the clinic.
The race to develop CRISPR-Cas9 is reflected in world-wide interest; Chinese scientists in have been using the technique in research using human embryos dating back to 2015. One notable study consisted of attempts to make cells resistant to HIV. Another controversial study involved the injection of CRISPR-modified cells into a patient with advanced lung cancer.
An essential requirement is to prove that the technique can be used safely in patients before it can be used widely. Tests will aim to show it does not harm those being treated by what are known as “off-target” effects on other chromosomes.
Future trials will also have to show how effective the technique is compared to other types of treatment.
The ability to introduce multiple genetic changes associated with disease allows researchers to explore the complex biology of many multigenic conditions such as cancer and Parkinson's disease. CRISPR-Cas9 editing of human stem cells has become associated with models for Rett Syndrome, HIV resistance, deafness, and other conditions.
The progress has been dizzying and may herald a new era of cancer treatment.
Science imposes its immense impact on medical advancement so rapidly these days that a technique that was introduced in 2014 seems almost historic now. News of a recent study by researchers however, has brought the gene-editing breakthrough of that year back into the glare of public spotlight.
As with so many other new treatments this one is known by its abbreviated format - Crispr-Cas9. Its obscure name nevertheless manages to attract profound scientific attention in an exciting area of genetic disease.
CRISPR-Cas9 has recently hit the headlines as a technology that is dramatically changing the way researchers are developing breakthrough cancer treatments .
This system, adapted from a naturally occurring process, is being used to precisely and efficiently edit DNA (the material that transfers our genetic characteristics); it is seen as a robust method in laboratory tests and for identifying novel therapeutic targets in the clinic.
The race to develop CRISPR-Cas9 is reflected in world-wide interest; Chinese scientists in have been using the technique in research using human embryos dating back to 2015. One notable study consisted of attempts to make cells resistant to HIV. Another controversial study involved the injection of CRISPR-modified cells into a patient with advanced lung cancer.
An essential requirement is to prove that the technique can be used safely in patients before it can be used widely. Tests will aim to show it does not harm those being treated by what are known as “off-target” effects on other chromosomes.
Future trials will also have to show how effective the technique is compared to other types of treatment.
The ability to introduce multiple genetic changes associated with disease allows researchers to explore the complex biology of many multigenic conditions such as cancer and Parkinson's disease. CRISPR-Cas9 editing of human stem cells has become associated with models for Rett Syndrome, HIV resistance, deafness, and other conditions.
The progress has been dizzying and may herald a new era of cancer treatment.
