Swiss researchers find unwanted CRISPR side effects
Swiss researchers found that CRISPR gene-editing can cause unintended genetic defects, particularly in chronic granulomatosis, leading to serious health risks like blood cancer, despite attempts to mitigate these effects.
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Swiss researchers from the University of Zurich have discovered that the CRISPR gene-editing technology can inadvertently cause new genetic defects while attempting to correct faulty sections of DNA. This finding was particularly noted in the context of chronic granulomatosis, a rare hereditary disease affecting approximately one in 120,000 individuals, which compromises the immune system. The researchers successfully inserted missing DNA letters in a gene responsible for producing an enzyme crucial for bacterial defense. However, they found that the CRISPR system sometimes cuts the DNA at multiple locations, leading to the loss or misarrangement of entire chromosome sections. These unintended alterations could have serious medical implications, including the potential development of blood cancer. Despite testing various alternative approaches to mitigate these side effects, the research team was unable to eliminate the risks entirely. This study highlights the complexities and challenges associated with gene editing, emphasizing the need for caution in its application.
- CRISPR gene editing can lead to unintended genetic defects.
- The study focused on chronic granulomatosis, a rare immune disorder.
- Researchers found that CRISPR sometimes cuts DNA at multiple sites, causing chromosome issues.
- Unforeseen consequences could include serious health risks, such as blood cancer.
- Alternative methods to reduce side effects were not fully effective.
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