Gene editing

How it is used

Used in research, medicine and agriculture; 'genome editing' means the same. CRISPR is the best-known tool, alongside newer methods such as base editing and prime editing. Clinicians separate somatic gene editing, which affects only the patient, from germline editing, which can be inherited.

Example sentences

1. Gene editing allowed us to correct the mutation in patient-derived cells.

2. The first approved CRISPR-based gene editing therapy is used for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia.

Common collocations

• gene editing tools
• precise gene editing
• somatic gene editing
• base editing
• gene editing therapy

Related terms

• CRISPRA gene-editing technology, adapted from a bacterial defense system, in which a guide RNA leads an enzyme such as Cas9 to a chosen DNA sequence so that it can be cut and changed.
• guide RNAA short RNA molecule that leads a CRISPR enzyme such as Cas9 to the exact DNA sequence to be cut, by matching about 20 bases of the target.
• germline editingChanging the DNA of eggs, sperm or early embryos, so that the change would be present in every cell of the resulting person and could be passed to future generations.
• off-target effectAn unwanted change at a place in the genome that was not intended, for example when a CRISPR guide RNA also cuts a similar sequence somewhere else.
• genetic engineeringThe deliberate changing of an organism's DNA in the lab, for example by adding, removing or altering genes, to give it new or improved characteristics.

More terms: Genetic Engineering and CRISPR

• GMO
• plasmid
• knockout
• vector
• restriction enzyme
• clone
• transfection