Some diseases are linked to human genes, and the good news is that scientists have discovered a viable solution. These researchers have known how to use the CRISPR-Cas9 (a mechanism for editing genes) on the messenger RNA. The RNA transmits genetic signals from the cell’s nucleus.
Carried out by researchers based at the University of California, San Diego, this experiment might lead to new cures for ailments that result when the messenger RNA stops functioning properly. These include neurodegenerative diseases, a few cancers, or autism.
According to an associate professor of Molecular Medicine at UCSD, Gene Yeo, who is also the lead writer of the research that appears today in the Journey Cell, the team can now target and edit RNA in living cells. Yeo utters further that their study gives room for more research on how to manipulate and alter genes that cause diseases. Additionally, the professor confirms the fact that in many ailments the genome can only be ruptured into pieces rather than modified.
CRISPR-Cas9 is a mechanism bacteria occurring naturally and eats up attacking bacteria.
JUAN GAERTNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/CORBIS
These researchers realized that they could use it to cut DNA and modify genes. First, they create an RNA that matches the series of the targeted gene. Next, the RNA is used to guide the Cas9 enzyme to the target in the genome. Then it slices the DNA and then the cells starts to repair the DNA cut while disabling the gene. Alternatively, the scientists may restore the area opposite the cut with restored version of the gene.
Although CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to alter human embryos in China, the USA government prohibits any federal funding on the same. But so far the NAS (National Academy of Sciences) is creating ethics that will be followed in this field.