CRISPR

The human genome It is the set of databases that encode all the characteristics of an individual. It is made up of proteins (DNA) and they contain the genetic characteristics that allow the body to develop and direct the activities of the body. For its part, genetic engineering is a branch of genetics that studies and manipulates DNA to obtain certain purposes, for example, therapeutic.

What is this technique?

Genetic engineering of the genome (certain DNA fragments) was routinely carried out using complex and expensive techniques. CRISPR (Clustered and Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a genetic engineering technique that allows the genome of any cell to be corrected and edited. In a simple way, it would be explained how to cut and paste gene sequences with special "scissors".

Advantages

This means that, by means of this tool, specific genome sites can be selected and defective genes can be modified and corrected.

The main advantage is also that it is a simple, cheap and precise technique - which allows cutting any DNA molecule - compared to other known techniques that are much more expensive and complicated. Consequently, the studies and experiments that are carried out with this technique will also become cheaper.

Its potential is evident in the field of medicine since with CRISPR it is possible to cut “defective” areas of genes or whose content is responsible for certain diseases. There are already some preliminary trials with few cancer patients conducted in China and the United States. Results cannot yet be extrapolated due to the scarcity of data. Especially the future looks hopeful in the cure of diseases of genetic origin known as Down syndrome.

Successful tests have already been carried out on animal cells, although there is controversy about its use in humans (in embryos), since any genetic modification can be transmitted for generations, without knowing the risks and possible consequences.

Other uses of this technique would be applied to the world of agriculture and agriculture, such as the improvement of transgenic foods and their use on microorganisms that are used in industry or other areas.

• The CRISPR atgenetic engineering technique that allows to correct and edit the genome of any cell.
• The main advantage is that it is a simple, cheap and precise technique - which allows cutting any DNA molecule - compared to other known techniques that are much more expensive and complicated.
• Its potentiality is evident in the field of medicine, with hope set on the curing diseases of genetic origin (As the ).