Genetic Engineering
Huntington's Disease
Most people have two copies of the HD
(Huntington's Disease) gene. The gene produces the protein Huntington which causes the cellular dysfunction and later on, death. The DNA code for HD produces a repetitive sequence of genetic code CAG near one end of the gene. Gene slicing was considered the best way to cure HD, but recently, gene editing was theorized to be the best choice of curing Huntington's Disease. Originally scientists thought as genomes to be fixed, and not mutated without causing disease, this changed recently when scientists stole genetic tricks from microscopic bacteria. [E.12]
How It Would Conduct Itself!
"When the [Huntington's] diagnosis came back, it blindsided us. We had no idea there was anything like this anywhere" ~ Jean Wittie
CRISPR is to be used in a precise way to make
snips in the HD gene, also CRISPR is better than other techniques for it is possible to treat early stage embryos and fertilized eggs. Furthermore, HD mutation carriers may be treated with CRISPR, even during their adult stages. Currently, a company named Sangamo Biosciences is working with CHDI foundation to find cures and treatments for the disease. They are starting with tests on animals and their brains. CRISPR's use is limited due to it's inaccurate delivery. [E.12]
Facts On Huntington's Disease
