Using DNA to delete disease

DNA is obscured by closed chromatin, an innately protective structure made up of proteins that interact with each other and with DNA. New activation associated proteins (AAPs) can be custom-built to bind near and open up chromatin so that DNA is made more accessible to gene-editing molecules like CRISPR. CREDIT: illustration by Karmella Haynes

Article Highlights

Protein editorial assistants are clearing the way for cut-and-paste DNA editors, like CRISPR, to access previously inaccessible genes of interest. Opening up these areas of the genetic code is critical to improving CRISPR efficiency and moving toward futuristic, genetic-based assaults on disease.
“The innovation in this paper is having another protein co-delivered with the CRISPR DNA editor, moving chromatin packaging out of the way, so CRISPR has greater access to the DNA,” said lead author Karmella Haynes, from Arizona State University and Emory University.
Haynes describes chromatin blocking as “the elephant in the room” in CRISPR discussions, but it wasn’t directly proved until 2016, when Haynes’ team conducted some clever experiments capturing the effect. Her team is trying to fix the problem by investigating different methods of chromatin disruption.
“The idea is that if CRISPR needs to bind in the middle of a gene but can’t bind close enough to edit the mutation, you could send in our chromatin-opening protein to right outside that hard-to-bind region, rearrange the chromatin, and make the DNA across that gene more accessible for CRISPR to edit the gene,” explained Haynes, who is keen for others to use her system to improve CRISPR efficiency. She pointed out the AAPs can be adapted to target different genes, simply by switching the DNA-binding regions.

The Complete Story: Opening Up DNA to Delete Disease

Arizona State University | Emory University | University of Utah

Go deeper with Bing News on:

Deleting disease

APP C-Terminal Fragments Stifle Calcium Flow from ER to Lysosomes
C-terminal fragments of amyloid precursor protein have been blamed for endolysosomal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. Now, scientists led by Wim Annaert at KU Leuven, Belgium, claim that’s because ...
CDC: Deer meat didn't cause hunters' deaths; concerns about chronic wasting disease remain
There have been no cases of chronic wasting disease in people to date, the CDC says. But it is still investigating the potential risks.
I'm a Nutritionist. Here’s Why I Can't Stand Online Nutrition Advice
When I scroll through social media and see what counts as nutrition information, I cringe,” writes Desiree Nielsen, RD.
Your Guide to Medication Options for Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease medications can help suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. Changes to diet and other lifestyle factors can also help. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery.
Solving the riddle of the sphingolipids in coronary artery disease
Investigators have uncovered a way to unleash in blood vessels the protective effects of a type of fat-related molecule known as a sphingolipid, suggesting a promising new strategy for the treatment ...

Go deeper with Google Headlines on:

Deleting disease

[google_news title=”” keyword=”deleting disease” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]

Go deeper with Bing News on:

Protein editorial assistants

Neuroscientists Warn of 'Cascading' Alzheimer's Risk From These Two Habits
The habits produce a "synergistic effect" on our risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease and general cognitive decline.
The UW’s Institute for Protein Design keeps boosting startups, fueling AI-powered science
University of Washington Institute for Protein Design head David Baker (left) and assistant professor Neil King show off molecular models of proteins. (UW ...
4 Reasons Weight Loss Drugs Aren't Working for You
Sleeping poorly and being stressed out can also limit the body’s ability to lose weight. A lack of rest often leads to an imbalance in hunger hormones, which stimulates appetite and encourages fat ...
Koç University Researchers Uncover SNUPN Gene Responsible for a New Muscular Disorder
Koç University researchers have uncovered a new muscular disorder linked to SNUPN deficiency. Published in Nature Communications, this groundbreaking ...
How are alternative protein players finding solutions for consumers, retailers?
While alternative protein sales and units declined notably in recent years, players cite improved food science, commercial scale, production and navigation of retailer expectations during the Natural ...

Go deeper with Google Headlines on:

Protein editorial assistants

[google_news title=”” keyword=”protein editorial assistants” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]

What's Your Reaction?

Don't Like it!

I Like it!

Using DNA to delete disease

Arizona State University | Emory University | University of Utah

The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News

Go deeper with Bing News on:

Deleting disease

Go deeper with Google Headlines on:

Deleting disease

Go deeper with Bing News on:

Protein editorial assistants

Go deeper with Google Headlines on:

Protein editorial assistants

Leave a Reply