Scientists Test "Genetic Scissors" on Cases of Cancer and Viruses

The CRISPR technique consists of cutting bits of DNA with a "genetic chisel" to modify certain fragments. For several years, the scientific community has been studying this method, promising to create new gene therapies. At the American University of Pennsylvania, a research team is conducting trials on two cancer patients since September 2018 : One has multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects the bone marrow and the other a tumor that develops in the body's supporting tissues, called sarcoma. With CRISPR, they try to disable a gene present in both patients. The work should be completed in January 2033.

A new version of CRISPR

In parallel, another research team from Cornell University in the United States has developed CRISPR-Cas3: this version of the "genetic chisel" makes it possible to delete certain segments of DNA. CRISPR-Cas9, the previous technique, works by editing the genes. The goal is to successfully eliminate some viruses such as herpes or hepatitis B.

A controversial method

In autumn 2018, a Chinese researcher announced that he had used the CRISPR method to modify the DNA of an embryo, which gave birth to two binoculars. The goal of this scientific act was to protect the two girls from AIDS because their father was HIV-positive. The news shocked the scientific community around the world. The case recalls that these DNA modification techniques must be used within a strict legal framework and in accordance with medical ethics.