New gene editing tool could fix most harmful DNA mutations

‘Prime editing’ more precise than Crispr-Cas9, but still needs time before use on humansScientists have raised fresh hopes for treating people with genetic disorders by inventing a powerful new molecular tool that, in principle, can correct the vast majority of mutations that cause human genetic diseases.The procedure, named “prime editing”, can mend about 89% of the 75,000 or so harmful mutations known to mangle the human genome and lead to conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, and a nerve-destroying illness called Tay-Sachs disease.Continue reading...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - October 21, 2019 Category: Science Authors: Ian Sample Science editor Tags: Gene editing Genetics Biology Science Source Type: news