CRISPR Technology

Original Editor - Angeliki Chorti Top Contributors - Angeliki Chorti


What is CRISPR?[edit | edit source]

CRISPR is a gene editing technology that originates from a component of bacterial immune systems that can cut DNA like a precise molecular scissors. [1] It stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.[1]

CRISPR mainly works by finding a specific DNA inside a cell and altering that DNA. CRISPR also works by turning on or off genes without altering their sequence. The system consists of two parts: a CRISP associated (Cas) nuclease whose role is to connect and cut DNA, and a guide RNA sequense (gRNA) which directs the Cas to its target. [1]

Where is CRISPR used?[edit | edit source]

CRISPR is widely used in scientific research but in the near future, it may be also used in clinical practice. By allowing scientits to rewrite genetic code, it can be applied to curing genetic disease such as sickle cell disease and hereditary blindness. [2]

Relevance to physiotherapy[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit | edit source]

CRISPR Home Page

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Synthego. The ultimate guide to CRISPR: Mechanism, applications, methods & more. Available from: https://www.synthego.com/learn/crispr (accessed 22/6/2022)
  2. Ledford H. CRISPR treatment inserted directly into the body for the first time. Nature 2020; 579:185.