We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




CRISPR Genome-Editing System Avoids DNA Strand Breaks

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 29 Aug 2018
A variation of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing tool enables more precise manipulation of target genes by not breaking double stranded DNA and instead modifying a single point in the targeted DNA sequence.

CRISPR gene editing has revolutionized biomedicine and biotechnology by providing a simple means to engineer genes through targeted double-strand breaks in the genomic DNA of living cells. More...
However, given the random nature of cellular DNA repair mechanisms and the potential for off-target mutations, technologies capable of introducing targeted changes with increased precision, such as single-base editors, are preferred.

In this regard, a single-base editing system called CRISPR-SKIP was described by investigators at the University of Illinois (Champaign, USA) in the August 15, 2018, online edition of the journal Genome Biology. This method utilized cytidine deaminase single-base editors to program exon skipping by mutating target DNA bases within splice acceptor sites. Thus, CRISPR-SKIP altered a single base before the beginning of an exon, causing the cell to read it as a non-coding portion.

The modified exon was not included in mature RNA, which prevented the corresponding amino acids from becoming part of the protein product. Proteins that are missing a few amino acids often retain partial or full activity, which may be enough to restore function in some genetic diseases.

"Given the problems with traditional gene editing by breaking the DNA, we have to find ways of optimizing tools to accomplish gene modification. This is a good one because we can regulate a gene without breaking genomic DNA," said senior author Dr. Pablo Perez-Pinera, professor of bioengineering at the University of Illinois.

"In Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, for example, just correcting 5% to 10% of the cells is enough to achieve a therapeutic benefit. With CRISPR-SKIP, we have seen modification rates of more than 20% to 30% in many of the cell lines we have studied," said Dr. Perez-Pinera.

Related Links:
University of Illinois


Gold Member
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Test
OSOM® RSV Test
Collection and Transport System
PurSafe Plus®
Sperm Quality Analyis Kit
QwikCheck Beads Precision and Linearity Kit
Gram-Negative Blood Culture Assay
LIAISON PLEX Gram-Negative Blood Culture Assay
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: New evidence shows viscoelastic testing can improve assessment of blood clotting during postpartum hemorrhage (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Viscoelastic Testing Could Improve Treatment of Maternal Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, yet many of these deaths are preventable. Standard care can be hindered by delays... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The CloneSeq-SV approach can allow researchers to study how cells within high-grade serous ovarian cancer change over time (Photo courtesy of MSK)

Blood Test Tracks Treatment Resistance in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because it spreads microscopically throughout the abdomen, and although initial surgery and chemotherapy can work, most... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: The collaboration aims to improve access to Hb variant testing with the Gazelle POC diagnostic platform (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

Terumo BCT and Hemex Health Collaborate to Improve Access to Testing for Hemoglobin Disorders

Millions of people worldwide living with sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders experience delayed diagnosis and limited access to effective care, particularly in regions where testing is scarce.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.