CRISPR Technology
CRISPR technology is a simple yet powerful tool for editing genomes, (genomes being a set of chromosomes in a cell). It allows people to easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function. It also lets people correct genetic defects, treat/prevent the spread of disease, or improve certain crops.
CRISPR is short for CRISPR-Cas9, the Cas9 protein is an enzyme which cuts foreign DNA, it usually binds to two RNA molecules: CRISPR RNA and Trans-activating CRISPR RNA. These two guide the Cas9 protein to where it will begin to cut.
The genomes of various organisms encode a series of messages and instructions within our DNA. Genome editing involves inserting a cut or break in the DNA and tricking it to do what someone wants. A few studies concluded that Cas9 could be directed to cut any region of DNA by simply changing the nucleotide sequence of the CRISPR RNA.
Recent uses of CRISPR include:
2017: CRISPR programmed to find viruses in blood, urine and saliva.
CRISPR was used to remove a heart disease in an embryo successfully.
2018: Used in January to make chocolate production less threatened by making the plants more immune to diseases
Upgraded in April to edit thousands of genes at once.