Gene Editing

Gene editing is the ability to make highly specific changes in the DNA sequence(which stores genetic information of organisms) of an organism, and this discovery is jaw-dropping. Changing the way a cell works through editing its DNA is a massive medical breakthrough. Cancer, a disease for whose cure scientists are hunting even today, would no longer be a problem. This technique can even be used to enhance intelligence. Genetic disorders can be ended with this technology, and changes made in the DNA will remain for future generations. Today, many gene-editing methods have been developed. However, CRISPR-Cas9 stands out to be more precise, efficient, and cheap. CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats of genetic information that some bacteria use as an antiviral defence mechanism, but our scientists discovered how to use this system as a gene-editing tool.

To treat diseases, CRISPR-Cas9 can delete, modify, or correct the mutated DNA that caused the ailment. Cutting the DNA is another process after which the natural processes repair the DNA. In order to achieve this, CRISPR-Cas9 consists of Cas9, the enzyme that “cuts” the DNA, and the guide RNA, which binds itself to Cas9. The sequence of the guide RNA is specifically engineered to enable the Cas9 to locate the target DNA. When this complex reaches the location to make the cut, Cas9 starts unwinding the target DNA helix, which binds to the guide RNA. Once it successfully binds, Cas9 makes the cut and the natural DNA process repairs itself. In some cases, Cas9 also makes corrections to the DNA by replacing the target with template DNA. The cell then binds itself to this template, thereby correcting the sequence.

Deletions of the target DNA involve two Cas9 complexes to remove a large part of the target. The DNA later repairs itself. It is Ingenious, how technology can completely modify the looks and traits of a person and make him immune to all pathogens. With such technology in our hands, we can become superhumans.

Hashtags- #geneediting #CRISPR-Cas9 #DNA#RNA#immunity