New Technique Selectively Turns On Specific Genes

Precisely editing, activating, and disabling specific genes — one at a time or simultaneously — is possible.

Biologists have long yearned for a way to selectively turn off or turn on specific genes. RNA interference has transformed biology by allowing individual genes to be inactivated — although some off-target effects occur (NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 24 2004 [e-pub] and Nature 2004; 432:173). A newer technique, CRISPR (an acronym for “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats”), allows editing of specific genes, with many fewer off-target effects (NEJM JW Gen Med Aug 1 2014 and Circ Res 2014 Jun 10 [e-pub]).

A team from Boston and Japan reports that it has created a version of CRISPR that allows selective activation of several specific genes at once. Moreover, this technique, compared with earlier methods, encourages activated genes to …

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

New Technique Selectively Turns On Specific Genes

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Reviewing Author