How CRISPR edits a gene
Process map by Brian. 19 steps, 2 layers. Tags: science, biology, genetics, controversy.
- Scientists: Choose the gene to change
- Scientists: Design a guide RNA that matches it
- Scientists: Deliver the guide and Cas9 into cells
- Guide RNA: The guide leads Cas9 to the matching spot
- The Cas9 protein: Does the guide match exactly?
- The Cas9 protein: Cut both strands of the DNA
- The cell: The cell repairs the break
- Scientists: Check the result: did the edit work?
- Scientists: Study it, or treat patients with the edited cells
- Scientists: Edit body cells only, or embryos too?
- Scientists: Treatments, like the first approved therapy for sickle cell disease
- Scientists: Heritable edits are banned or restricted in most countries
- Scientists: The debate over the limits continues
- Scientists: Redesign and retry
- The Cas9 protein: It may cut the wrong place (off-target)