Gene Editing
Prime editing is a newer form of gene editing which allows people to make their desired changes to a cell without requiring it to have the ability to divide. The safer method does not cut both strands of the DNA which helps decrease unexpected modifications.
Allowing scientists to bypass the restraints of CRISPR, Prime editing can alter genes with precision. It is a significant improvement in having the ability to modify all genes, not just specific ones.
CRISPR is a gene editing tool which changes the sequences of the DNA. By breaking and changing the cell’s natural DNA, it introduces the desired modifications. However, the powerful editing tool depends on the cell’s ability to divide. Furthermore, it has a high chance of mutation. The cytidine base editor is built up of two parts: the cytidine deaminase and the uracil DNA glycosylase inhibitor. However, these are not found in the base editor, possibly causing unexpected mutations. On the other hand, Prime editing can edit any genes. Unlike CRISPR, the advanced tool can edit the nervous system’s cells, which do not go through mitosis. Minimizing unexpected mutations, the new editor does not cut through both strands of the DNA’s double helix. As a result, Prime editing allows us to edit more DNA strands with less damage.
Once the new editor is perfected, it’s uses will be significant to treat many diseases and improve biotechnology. For example, editing blood cells will help cure leukemia patients or conditions like AIDS. Furthermore, due to Prime Editing’s ability to edit genes that can not split, it is also possible to edit genetic diseases in the neuron tissue. It may also treat other infections or simple genetic conditions. As for biotechnology, the new editing method can immensely help agriculturally. Prime editing can help modify plants in order to improve their ability to resist disease and droughts.
