miércoles, 13 de septiembre de 2017

FAQ about Genome Editing

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What is Genome Editing? 
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Genome editing enables scientists to change the DNA of many organisms, including plants, bacteria and animals. Scientists use different technologies that act like scissors to cut DNA at a specific spot, which allows them to remove, add to, or replace DNA. Editing DNA can lead to changes in physical traits, like eye color and disease risk.

To help you better understand genome editing, we’ve created a new resource with answers to common questions. 
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How does it work?

Techniques to modify DNA in the genome have existed for several decades. The recent discovery of a faster, cheaper and more efficient tool for editing the genome, called clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)has enhanced scientists’ ability to edit the genome. In nature, CRISPR is used by bacteria as an immune system to kill invading viruses. Now adapted for use in the lab, CRISPR can recognize specific genome sequences and cut them using the Cas9 protein. 
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How is genome editing used? 

In the laboratory, researchers use genome editing to model human disease by deleting or editing certain genes that are thought to contribute to the disease. This is done in model organisms such as mice and zebrafish. This technique helps researchers determine if specific changes made to the genome will reveal what contributes to the disease. In the clinic, there are proposals to use genome editing as a treatment for human disease. Physicians might eventually be able to prescribe targeted gene therapy using genome editing to make corrections to patient genomes and prevent, stop or reverse disease. 
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What are the ethical concerns about genome editing?

Most of the ethical discussions relate to human germline editing. Changes made in the germline would be passed down to future generations, which in the case of inherited genetic diseases, could be beneficial. Bioethicists and researchers generally believe that human genome editing for reproductive purposes (e.g. using germline editing to create designer babies) should not be attempted, but conducting studies that would make gene therapy safe and effective should continue. 
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What do people think?

Patients, patient advocates and families of patients with genetic disorders have diverse views on using human germline genome editing to prevent or treat genetic disorders. Some patients believe strongly that it should be used to prevent people from getting genetic diseases, especially those without treatment options. Others do not consider their condition to be a disability. There is concern that widespread human genome editing could cause persons born with inherited genetic conditions to be less accepted in society. Some communities question the idea that eliminating genetic conditions will improve lives because those with disabilities often report a high quality of life. 
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What's happening in genome editing right now?

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine launched an initiative to facilitate decision making for the responsible use of human genome editing research. The initiative examined the clinical, ethical, legal and social implications of human genome editing. Their efforts included an international summit, a comprehensive study with a diverse committee of experts, and a series of public meetings to hear from patients, community leaders, policy makers and other stakeholders. 
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