Scientists have created a CRISPR tool capable of removing long pieces of DNA

This new technique uses CRISPR-Cas3, while most of the work we have seen up to now has been with CRISPR-Cas9. The tool uses a riboprotein complex called Cascade to look for its target and an enzyme called Cas3 to shred the DNA. As a result, it can scan a DNA band that is tens of kilobases long and break down the genetic material as it goes.

This could allow scientists to determine which sections of the DNA are the most important for a given disease. This could be particularly useful for understanding sections that do not code for a particular protein. With CRISPR-Cas3, researchers could destroy these sections and see what happens.

While gene editing can do everything from cancer treatment to improving stem cell transplant outcomes and HIV prevention, there is still a fear that it may cause more damage than we understand and elicit. ethical concerns. Whatever the case may be, the researchers at the origin of this technique claim that it will be years before it is ready for therapeutic use.