For the first time, scientists have cured mice of a genetic disease by altering their DNA using technology that allows precise chromosomal changes, The Independent reports.
The lab mice were cured of a hereditary liver disease after researchers corrected a “letter” of their genetic alphabet that had been mutated into a gene that plays an important role in liver metabolism. Scientists hope the groundbreaking work can be replicated in people because a similar mutation in the same gene causes human liver disease.
The scientists from MIT used technology known as Crispr, which allowed them to change DNA at a defined location on a chromosome. The technology was first identified in 1987 as a defensive force used by bacteria against viruses, the newspaper reports. Two years ago, researchers demonstrated that it could be used to alter the human genome when combined with an enzyme known as Cas9.
To read the complete Independent story, go here.
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