New CRISPR technique confirms methylation's role in gene silencing
New CRISPR method removes DNA methyl groups to reactivate silenced genes, offering safer genetic disease treatment.
Why it matters
- Confirms methylation directly silences genes.
- Offers safer genetic disease treatment, avoiding DNA cuts that can cause cancer.
- Could treat diseases like Sickle Cell by reactivating fetal globin gene.
By the numbers
- Study published in Nature Communications.
- Collaboration between UNSW Sydney and St Jude Children's Research Hospital.
- Tested in human cells in lab so far.
The big picture
- Part of trend towards safer gene editing techniques.
- Potential applications beyond Sickle Cell.
- Epigenetic editing could avoid unintended effects of DNA cutting.
What they're saying
- Novelty is in specific demethylation of target gene.
- Methylation can work differently in different contexts.
- Exciting advance in gene editing technology.
Caveats
- Work done in human cells in lab so far.
- Needs animal testing and clinical trials before human use.
- Methylation effects can vary by gene context.
What’s next
- Test in animal models.
- Move to clinical trials.
- Explore other CRISPR-related tools.