The technique of genetic editing can cause mutations

Scientists in the UK have discovered that CRISPR / Cas9 gene editing technology is less accurate than previously thought and can cause unexpected mutations in cells, according to a study published yesterday by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. in the journal Nature Biotechnology

Research warns of some consequences of using this revolutionary "cut-stick" technique, created in 2012, that allows experts to eliminate and replace The scientists also reveal that standard tests designed to detect changes in DNA are not able to predict these genetic damage, so they recommend caution and offer suggestions. specific tests to evaluate the validity of genetic therapies. "Any attempt to use this technique in gene therapy should be accompanied by many precautions, monitoring the possible negative effects," said Allan Bradley, one of the researchers.

This work, he adds, raises questions about the use of CRISPR / Cas9 and should pave the way for the scientific community to find alternatives to this method.