Impact
Genomics discovery paves way for possible new treatments of genetic disorders, diseases
New gene-editing technique could remove and insert segments of DNA with precision, paving the way for possible new treatments of devastating genetic disorders and vector-borne diseases
New technique offers promise for treating a number of diseases and disorders.
Credit and Larger Version
September 21, 2017
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NSF-funded researchers studying how a bacterium's immune system fights off viruses uncovered a powerful new gene-editing technique called CRISPR-Cas9.
CRISPR-Cas9 acts like a pair of molecular-sized scissors that researchers can wield to snip a segment of DNA; for example, to edit a segment that codes for a particular trait in an organism. Biomedical researchers are exploring CRISPR-Cas9’s potential use for everything from treating genetic disorders and developing targeted cancer therapies to preventing vector-borne infectious diseases.
The agricultural industry is also exploring whether CRISPR-Cas9 can help enhance crop production and livestock survival.
NSF Directorate(s):
Directorate for Biological Sciences
Locations
California
Related Awards
#1244557 Mechanisms of Acquired Immunity in Bacteria
Related Websites
Rewriting genetic information to prevent disease: https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=134286
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