9 December, 2016
Erasing a genetic mutation: Researchers reverse a liver disorder in mice by correcting a mutated gene
The technique is called CRISPR. It involves using an enzyme called Cas9 that is designed to cut out a specific sequence in the DNA. In this case, they would design it to cut out the mutated sequence. The scientists also introduced an RNA template strand. The cell would repair itself from the damage done by the enzyme and use the RNA template strand to repair the DNA and correct the mutation.
The Cas9 is said to be very adjustable and can be changed to potentially treat genetic diseases such as Huntington's disease or hemophilia. I find this research to be extremely interesting because it could be the solution to many diseases that are otherwise incurable.
Source:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140330151614.htm
this is very interesting to read about since it has to do with the longevity of human life. this can potentially be the exact way we solve our DNA sequencing problems for all diseases. this could greatly be the first step into permanent health alternatives. MC
ReplyDeleteWere there any negative affects to the mice after the procedure? How close is this method to being used in human medical cases?
ReplyDeleteKI
I found this aricle fascinating because the research done at MIT could be a huge step towards curing not only cancer but, many genetic diseases and disorders. Because the scientists were able to introduce an RNA template strand, I wonder if in the future they will be able to introduce DNA template strands. This article provides great insight into the future of curing many diseases and also potentially conditions or even inherited traits. This is exciting.
ReplyDeleteMC
it makes so much sense own cells do DNA splicing naturally, now we can use it to fix diseases, the only thing I wonder is in humans at what age would this need to be done for successful results K.F.
ReplyDeleteYa this article is very interesting. Based on things i've researched with regards to curing and preventing serious diseases and cancers, this and stem cell therapy seem to be very scientifically advanced and promising solutions to curing and prevented serious diseases that affect millions of people around the world. I was also thinking the same thing as K.F. I wonder when this treatment would have to be done on a human.
ReplyDeleteCB
Wow this is very interesting. Could be a huge step into the future. My only question is if the enzyme or the RNA template strand that they introduced have any side-effects with them? If so, are they serious enough to keep us from moving in that direction? J. RYAN
ReplyDeleteThis could mean an amazing step towards finding a cure for diseases caused by genetic mutations. I wonder how the technique can be applied to millions of cells that are constantly duplicating.
ReplyDeleteSRH
This is quite fascinating, I am curious about the survival rate of the procedure and whether or not the disease reappeared after treatment or if an other disease came about. Also I would like to know if the lifespan of the mice was in anyway effected.
ReplyDeleteAAH
This Study that is being done at MIT is absolutely incredible! They are coming closer and closer to help the society in which we live in today. It amazes me that they were able to come together and find a way to reverse a genetic disorder. something that we may see as impossible has been done, although its just the beginning of this new science, i'm sure it will continue to grow and will allow medical doctors to help so many individuals that have genetic disorders. I would like to Know if this cas9 can be used on all genetic disorders or if the scientists would have to find a new strand to take out of each genetic disorder in order to reverse them.
ReplyDelete-MM
This is very interesting to read about knowing that everyday they come closer to solving diseases that have been deemed incurable! The question that I have is how may this effect the rat in the long run. Were there any complications from introducing a new RNA template for the body? Also, to what extent will scientist go with this research. Would they be open to fixing someones pancreas when they acquire type 2 diabetes from poor diet and lack of exercise? How much would this procedure cost?
ReplyDeleteJH
Hi Tanner,
ReplyDeleteI found your topic interesting so I did a search on more information. An article posted in 2013 in John Hopkins Medical states, "Johns Hopkins researchers report that the deletion of any single gene in yeast cells puts pressure on the organism’s genome to compensate, leading to a mutation in another gene." In your research or in the article was there any mention of pressure that could be put on other genes? Or does the repair work they perform prevent that type of pressure?
The full article is located at:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/deletion_of_any_single_gene_provokes_mutations_elsewhere_in_the_genome
Thanks,
RW
I was doing a little more research on Cas9 to see if it was being used on humans yet, do you think that scientists are ready to test this on humans?
ReplyDeleteRG
DeleteHow would these reverse changes in mutation play a part in Natural Selection? Could a person become more susceptible to other disorders or diseases or would this remain constant? –JA
ReplyDelete