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CRISPR-Cas9 - The Gene Editing Revolution

 Introduction

  • CRISPR-Cas9  is a revolutionary gene editing technology that has transformed the field of molecular biology and genetics.
  • This lecture will explore the principles, mechanisms, applications, and ethical considerations of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lecture, you should be able to:

  1. Understand the fundamental principles of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
  2. Describe the mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
  3. Recognize the applications and implications of CRISPR-Cas9 in various fields.

Principles of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing

1. CRISPR-Cas System:

  • CRISPR  stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. It's a natural defence mechanism in bacteria and archaea against invading viruses.
  • Cas9  is an enzyme that acts like molecular scissors, cutting DNA at specific locations.

2. Targeted Gene Editing:

  • CRISPR-Cas9  allows precise modification of genes by guiding Cas9 to a specific DNA  sequence using a guide RNA (gRNA).
  • The gRNA is designed to complement the target gene's sequence.

3. DNA Repair Mechanisms:

  • After Cas9 cuts the DNA, cells use two primary repair mechanisms: Non-Homologous  End Joining (NHEJ) and Homology-Directed Repair (HDR).
  • NHEJ  can introduce random mutations, while HDR allows precise gene editing.

Mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas9

1. gRNA Design:

  • The gRNA is designed to be complementary to the target gene's sequence.
  • It guides Cas9 to the precise location for gene editing.

2. Cas9 Cleavage:

  • Cas9  creates a double-stranded break in the DNA at the target site.
  • This break triggers the cell's repair machinery.

3. DNA Repair:

  • NHEJ can introduce insertions or deletions (indels), causing gene disruption.
  • HDR can be used to introduce specific changes or insert new genetic material.

Applications of CRISPR-Cas9

1. Biomedical Research:

  • CRISPR-Cas9  is used to study gene function and develop disease models.
  • It accelerates drug discovery and drug testing.

2. Genetic Diseases:

  • CRISPR-Cas9 has the potential to treat genetic disorders by correcting disease-causing mutations.
  • Clinical trials are ongoing for conditions like sickle cell anaemia and beta-thalassemia.

3. Agriculture:

  • CRISPR-Cas9      can create genetically modified crops with improved traits like disease resistance or higher yield.
  • It can reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

4. Ethical Considerations:

  • The use of CRISPR-Cas9 in humans raises ethical questions about designer babies, unintended consequences, and access to the technology.

Conclusion

  • CRISPR-Cas9 is a groundbreaking gene editing technology that enables precise modification of DNA.
  • Its applications in research, medicine, and agriculture are vast, but ethical considerations are crucial.

Key Takeaways

  • CRISPR-Cas9  is a gene editing technology that uses Cas9 enzyme guided by gRNA to cut DNA at specific locations.
  • Repair mechanisms like NHEJ and HDR can be used to introduce mutations or precise changes.
  • CRISPR-Cas9  has applications in research, genetic diseases, agriculture, and beyond,  but ethical concerns must be addressed.

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