A new DNA processor will correct inherited diseases

Innovation in the technological field has led to great changes. In this occasion it involves the health area. Thanks to this new editing technology, called “prime editor”, could be errdicated from humanity the main genetical problems.

The genetic editor called CRISPR-9, also known as molecular scissors, is constituted by a genetic text processor capable of accurately rewriting the genetic code. The main objective is to scan the DNA in search of the correct place where the disease is housed and, subsequently, as a pair of microscopic scissors cut the DNA in two in order to insert or eliminate specific sequences in genome targets correcting around 89% of human genetic variants associated with diseases.

After having made 175 editions in human cells, the researchers combined the Cas9 enzyme with a second enzyme called reverse transcriptase. The resulting molecular machine, when combined with a designed guide RNA, can search for a specific DNA location and replace it.

Powerful genome editing

The lead author, David Liu, says that more than being a hope “of a long road of research in the molecular field in order to make any change of DNA in any position of a living cell or organism, including potentially human patients with genetic diseases”. So far, Liu has established a technology company called Prime Medicine where all these modifications will be made.

In principle it is known that the first applications may be made in diseases where cells can be removed from the body to be subsequently edited, verified and thus ensure their safety. In the case of diseases linked to some blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, the marrow can be removed, make the corresponding modifications and put back in place.

K.Villarroel

Source: abc