Scientists develop a method to prevent birth defects before birth

US scientists have found a way to correct the defects of the DNA in the father's sperm before fertilizing the egg.

The technique of gene editing (CRISPR) has shown the possibility of altering the imbalance of DNA and replacing it with embryos. But with the proliferation of their cells, the DNA can affect only certain cells.

Changing the genetic makeup of sperm can solve this problem, but scientists have made efforts to find a way to release genes without killing them. Scientists at the Weill Cornell School of Medicine in New York believe they have found an improved way to deliver an electrical impulse to sperm and break their outer shells, allowing the CRISPR to reach the cell.

Scientists praised the technique of gene expression using CRISPR-Cas9, as one of the greatest innovations in medicine in recent decades. If mastered, it can "repair" any genetic mutation that symbolizes birth defects and inherited medical conditions even before the baby is born.

Scientists have experimented with this method in human embryo tests, but it is too early to determine it. Scientists had to find the correct pulse rate to use on the sperm, to penetrate the outer shield and introduce CRISPR-Cas9 without paralyzing its ability to move. They found that the optimum pulse was 20 milliseconds of 1100 volts, about 100 times the car's battery power.

If some cells receive the repaired DNA and others receive the DNA "patient", the result can be mosaic

Although CRISPR is very accurate, it is difficult to predict the secondary genetic disorders that can cause it.

The committees of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences have given the green light to scientists

These disorders include sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.

However, reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) provide fewer medical and ethical hurdles to scientists, so the change in DNA they want can overcome some of the limitations on the way they work. use of powerful genetic modification technology in the future.

In his interview with New Scientist, Dr. Diane Choi, principal investigator, stated, "In theory, all genetic disorders can be treated by males." They are able to use CRISPR- Cas9 successfully in spermatozoa. "

The study presented at the annual meeting of the European Society for Human Reproduction showed that CRISPR shocks applied to sperm reduced their movement and their ability to swim towards the body. Egg to fertilize them. Very sexy, but also blocked

Source: Daily Mail