Genome Editing: from basic principles to applied science
The aim of this meeting in genome editing is to gather word-leading researchers in the field and experts, both from industry and academia, to raise awareness of the important ongoing applications and explore possible coordinated strategies in the important area of genome manipulation
Read more
Background
Gene editing, i.e., modification of a selected target DNA sequence using precise molecular scissors, has revolutionized the fields of molecular and synthetic biology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. The pivotal discovery that the generation of a Double Strand Break (DSB) at a specific location in the genome of mammalian cell using an endonuclease stimulates DDR, followed by the deletion, insertion, or replacement of DNA sequence at that location, revealed the possibility of targeted gene inactivation and correction of deleterious mutations. The use of RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas nucleases (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats that associate with CRISPR associated proteins) in genome editing has radically altered life sciences, enabling genome manipulation in living organisms. Gene editing using CRISPR-Cas endonucleases has shown extraordinary potential in a variety of fields, from basic to applied research, and has extended our ability to elucidate the contribution of genetics to disease by promoting the creation of more accurate cellular and animal models of different pathologies. Therefore, the relevance of this topic is enormous affecting almost all branches of life sciences from a basic science point of view leading to multiple translational applications in biotechnology and biomedicine.
Facts