How CRISPR lets us edit our DNA | Jennifer Doudna
TED・11 minutes read
CRISPR-Cas9 technology, developed by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, utilizes a protein called Cas9 to cut and degrade viral DNA. Ethical concerns arise from the potential use of this genome editing technology in altering DNA in human embryos and adult cells, despite its promise in treating genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia.
Insights
- CRISPR-Cas9, developed by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, is a genome editing technology inspired by bacteria's defense mechanism against viral infections, utilizing the Cas9 protein to cut and degrade viral DNA.
- The ethical implications of CRISPR technology, particularly in human embryos and adult cells, have sparked debates, although its potential for precise genetic modifications and promising clinical applications in treating genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia are highly anticipated in the near future.
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Recent questions
What is CRISPR-Cas9?
A genome editing technology using Cas9 protein.
How do bacteria combat viral infections?
Through an adaptive immune system called CRISPR.
What are the ethical concerns surrounding CRISPR technology?
Concerns arise from potential use in human embryos.
How does CRISPR technology repair DNA breaks?
Cells repair breaks induced by CRISPR for genetic modifications.
What are the anticipated clinical applications of CRISPR?
Treating genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia.
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Summary
00:00
CRISPR-Cas9: Revolutionary Genome Editing Technology
- CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome editing technology invented by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier.
- The technology originated from a research project on how bacteria combat viral infections.
- Bacteria possess an adaptive immune system called CRISPR to detect and destroy viral DNA.
- CRISPR includes a protein called Cas9, which can precisely cut and degrade viral DNA.
- The CRISPR technology has been used to alter DNA in mice, monkeys, and even human embryos.
- Ethical concerns arise due to the potential use of CRISPR in human embryos and adult cells.
- The CRISPR system involves RNA molecules that bind to Cas9 protein to cut viral DNA.
- Cells can repair DNA breaks induced by CRISPR, allowing for precise genetic modifications.
- CRISPR technology offers a simpler and more efficient method for genome engineering compared to previous technologies.
- Clinical applications of CRISPR in treating genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia are anticipated within the next decade.
