Scientists at the University of Health and Science in Oregon, USA For the first time have successfully edited the genes of human embryos to correct defective DNA that cause hereditary diseases. They used the CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology to alter human DNA in single cell embryos, allowing certain sections of DNA to be altered or replaced. Key Facts In this experiment, scientists had used donated sperm from men who carried hereditary mutations of the disease to show that genes can be corrected. Single-celled embryos were created in the experiment, were never designed to be implanted in a uterus and were only allowed to develop for a few days. They had used a process called “germ engineering” in which genetically modified organisms pass changes to their offspring to eradicate hereditary disease. He allowed the so-called permanent changes in the germ line to pass to any offspring. Research has great potential to prevent many genetic diseases, but has raised fears of “design babies”. It is also considered as a milestone in the journey to give birth to the first genetically modified humans. CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology CRISPR short form of clustered regularly interpaced palindromic short repeats. It allows scientists to selectively edit parts of the genome and replace them with new stretches of DNA. CRISPR is a collection of DNA sequences that direct Cas9 where cut and paste. Cas9 is an enzyme that can edit DNA, allowing the alteration of genetic patterns by modifying the genome. CRISPR-Cas9 technology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of blood diseases, tumors and other genetic diseases.
Scientists first edit human embryo genes
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