What are the recent advances in genetic engineering?

Recently developed strategies, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9, multiplex automated genome engineering (MAGE), promoter engineering, CRISPR-based regulations, and synthetic small regulatory RNA (sRNA)-based knockdown, are considered as powerful tools for genome-scale …

What has gene editing accomplished?

By modifying the genomes of bacteriophages (bacteria-killing viruses) with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, scientists have been able to develop methods to destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria. CRISPR-Cas9 systems also enabled the creation of animal models for human disease and the removal of HIV from infected cells.

What have scientists already done with CRISPR?

Scientists have also used CRISPR to detect specific targets, such as DNA from cancer-causing viruses and RNA from cancer cells. Most recently, CRISPR has been put to use as an experimental test to detect the novel coronavirus.

What are some new genetic technologies?

A new CRISPR tool allows scientists to silence, or turn off, most genes in the human genome — and then turn them back on again. Over the past decade, the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system has revolutionized genetic engineering, allowing scientists to make targeted changes to organisms’ DNA.

What does the future hold for DNA technology?

One of those technologies will be gene therapy. Genes that produce normal products will be used to replace faulty inherited genes. Genes that falter over time will be restored to normal function. We also will turn genes on and off to treat cancer, as well as auto-immune and other degenerative diseases.

Is CRISPR permanent?

The changes CRISPR (as well as ZFN) makes are permanent, which is a huge deal for the individuals receiving treatment. Successful gene therapy could mean never needing to take drugs to treat your condition again.