Two cancer patients were treated with this method, which involves cutting bits of DNA to modify the genome. Another ongoing research is looking at the use of this technique on viral infections.
The CRISPR technique involves cutting bits of DNA with a “genetic scissor” to modify certain fragments. For several years, the scientific community has been studying this promising method for creating new gene therapies. At the American University of Pennsylvania, a Research Team has been conducting trials on two cancer patients since September 2018 : one has multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects the bone marrow and the other has a tumor that develops in the supporting tissues of the body, called sarcoma. With CRISPR, they are trying to deactivate a gene present in the two patients. The work should be completed in January 2033.
A new version of CRISPR
In parallel, a other research team, from Cornell University in the United States, has developed CRISPR-Cas3: this version of the “genetic scissor” makes it possible to delete certain segments of DNA. CRISPR-Cas9, the previous technique, works by editing genes. The objective is to succeed in eliminating certain viruses such as herpes or hepatitis B.
A controversial method
In the fall of 2018, a Chinese researcher announced that he had used the CRISPR method to modify the DNA of an embryo, which gave birth to twin girls. The objective of this scientific act was to protect the two little girls from AIDS, because their father was HIV-positive. The news shocked the scientific community around the world. The case recalls that these DNA modification techniques must be used within a strict legal framework and in compliance with medical ethics.
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