To study muscle diseases, scientists rely on the mouse as a model organism. Researchers at the University of Basel have now developed a new method that is not only faster and more efficient than conventional ones but also greatly reduces the number of experimental animals needed for studying the function of genes in muscle fibers.
April 12, 2021 A new gene silencing tool allows scientists to switch genes on and off without altering genetic sequences. The tool, described in a paper published in
Cell on April 9, uses a modified CRISPR-Cas9 system to introduce reversible epigenetic changes that control gene expression.
The classic CRISPR-Cas9 system led to an explosion in gene editing studies since it was first developed almost a decade ago. It became quickly popular thanks to its ease of use compared to previous gene editing methods.
CRISPR-Cas9 uses guide RNA to chaperone the Cas9 nuclease to a particular site in the DNA and create a double-strand break. By adding a specially designed short sequence of DNA, scientists can introduce permanent genetic changes to the cell. This oligonucleotide is used as a template by the cell when repairing the double-strand break, incorporating the sequence into the cell s genome. However, this approach can cause unintended genetic changes.