The Hindustan Times recently published an article that again puts CRISPR at the forefront of medical news. The newest CRISPR tool was designed to identify Sars-CoV-2 and prevent the transmission of the virus in the human body.
Australia’s Dr. Sharon Lewin described the procedure as the CRISPR enzyme becoming activated upon recognizing Sars-CoV-2 then “chopping up” the virus.
CRISPR’s Primary Function
One of CRISPR’s primary functions is to change DNA sequences and thereby modify gene function. CRISPR has already made headlines with its promise of removing the genetic coding that causes cancer in children.
The enzyme CRISPR-Cas13b was used for the current study. The Cas13b enzyme binds to the target RNA sequences on the coronavirus. Then the genome that the virus needs in order to reproduce within the human cell deteriorates.
Looking Forward
The new release states that CRISPR has successfully blocked Sars-CoV-2 from infecting human cells. There is every indication that this presents the pathway to treatment for COVID-19.
The Australian researchers stated in the Nature Communications journal that CRISPR’s success against transmission of the virus in the laboratory brings them closer to starting animal trials.
