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The CRISPR–Cas9 tool enables scientists to alter genomes practically at will. Hailed as dramatically easier, cheaper and more versatile than previous technologies, it has blazed through labs around the world, finding new applications in medicine and basic research.
But for all the devotion, CRISPR–Cas9 has its limitations. It is excellent at going to a particular location on the genome and cutting there, says bioengineer Prashant Mali at the University of California, San Diego. "But sometimes your application of interest demands a bit more."
The zeal with which researchers jumped on a possible new gene-editing system called NgAgo earlier this year reveals an undercurrent of frustration with CRISPR–Cas9 — and a drive to find alternatives. "It's a reminder of how fragile every new technology is," says George Church, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.
NgAgo is just one of a growing library of gene-editing tools. Some are variations on the CRISPR theme; others offer new ways to edit genomes.
[Continues...]
Other editing methods are:
- A Mini-Me
- Expanded Reach
- True Editors
- Pursuing Argonautes
- Programming Enzymes
Each is described more fully in TFA which, if you know as little as I do about the subject, is both interesting and informative.
(Score: 1) by anubi on Monday August 15 2016, @07:42AM
Oooh, I am *really* looking forward to this becoming more and more mainstream, allowing those of us who get into this kind of thing the opportunity to code up custom microbes to build molecules for us.
I know it will probably be illegal as hell, but can you imagine underground databases full of genomic codes for custom microbes to build any designer molecule, including those drug companies charge an arm and leg for? Run the compiler, then brew up a batch of whatever you are trying to build...( Mefanamic Acid, for instance ).
Interesting challenge in the courts too, as now a life may be on the line... Your Honor, Jill needs this Mefanamic Acid in order to live, and cannot afford it. Joe is making it for her at home. With one pound of your Gavel, Your Honor, you can sentence this young girl to die in compliance with the Law passed by our Congress.
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." [KJV: I Thessalonians 5:21]
(Score: 3, Insightful) by takyon on Monday August 15 2016, @01:10PM
Good luck stopping genomic piracy. It's "text" and can be compressed to a very small size under the right conditions.
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