Introduction To CRISPR:
CRISPR an acronyms for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
CRISPR is a family of DNA sequences found in the genomes of prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria and archaea. These sequences are derived from DNA fragments of bacteriophages that had previously infected the prokaryote. They are used to detect and destroy DNA from similar bacteriophages during subsequent infections. Hence these sequences play a key role in the antiviral (i.e. anti-phage) defense system of prokaryotes and provide a form of acquired immunity. CRISPR is found in approximately 50% of sequenced bacterial genomes and nearly 90% of sequenced archaea.
Introduction to Cas9:
Cas9 or CRISPR-associated protein 9 is an enzyme that uses CRISPR sequences as a guide to recognize and open up specific strands of DNA that are complementary to the CRISPR sequence. Cas9 enzymes together with CRISPR sequences form the basis of a technology known as CRISPR-Cas9 that can be used to edit genes within the organisms
SIGNIFICANCE OF CRISPR-Cas9:
CRISPR-Cas9 is a technology that allows researchers to edit parts of the genome. It’s considered the most precise, versatile, and simple method of genetic manipulation.
1. Cancer research: CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to study the mechanisms of tumorigenesis and development. It can also be used to inactivate drug resistance genes in cancer cells to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
2. Agriculture: CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to improve traits in crops, such as yield, disease tolerance, plant architecture, and aesthetics. For example, CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to switch off genes that limit lipid production in microalgae, which can lead to higher biofuel yields.
3. Curing genetic diseases: CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to cure life-threatening diseases.
4. Coronavirus detection tests: CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to make coronavirus detection tests.
5. Human embryo cells: CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to modify human embryo cells, which has led to the birth of babies with the introduced modifications.
6. The CRISPR technique has a positive response in working towards different disorders like Nervous system, Circulatory system, Stem cells, blood disorders, muscular degeneration.
CRISPR can also be used to change mosquitoes so they cannot transmit diseases such as malaria.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS:
1. In July 2019, CRISPR was used to experimentally treat a patient with a genetic disorder. The patient was a 34-year-old woman with sickle cell disease
2. The development of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique was recognized by the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 which was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna.
3. In March 2020, CRISPR-modified virus was injected into a patient’s eye in an attempt to treat Leber congenital amaurosis
CONCLUSION:
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene-editing technology is the ideal tool of the future for treating diseases by permanently correcting deleterious base mutations or disrupting disease-causing genes with great precision and efficiency.
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-by GRISHMA SHINDE
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