DNA Edition: ad portas of a revolution in genetic manipulation

Abstract

In biological sciences, genetic therapy constitutes a “trend topic” since its beginning. Development of new technologies in bioengineering as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), Transcription activator-like effector nu-cleases (TALEN) and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR – Cas9) opened doors to a countless number of possibilities in biology, as genetic edition. Last one consists in a direct genomic modification through nucleotide sequences “introduction” or “cleavage” on DNA strands. Nowadays, its application is wide, since agroindustrial and pest control technologies to clinical area, with correc-ting mendelian diseases, modulating immunological receptors on infectious diseases, genetic modification in germ cells, among others. Nevertheless, since it’s discovered in 1987, CRISPR – Cas9 system has not been exempt from controversy in bioethical aspects, patent acquisition and even about effectiveness. Despite the difficulties and uncertainty that have arisen, the future of the system is promising for its simplicity and versatility.

Keywords

• crispr-associated proteins
• gene editing
• genetic engineering
• genetic therapy