The “genetic scissors” CRISPR-Cas9 opens up new possibilities for illness treatment; nonetheless, treatments must be reliable.

Researchers discovered in a new study that the procedure can cause irreversible modifications in DNA that can be passed down to future generations.

Before employing CRISPR-Cas9 for medical reasons, these scientists advise caution and thorough testing.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful method for modifying the genomes of bacteria, animals, and plants.

In terms of health treatment, the procedure opens up the possibility of healing a variety of genetic illnesses, as long as the DNA is correctly edited and endures no unanticipated modifications.

Such unwanted mutations have only been investigated in cells so far, and little is known about the effects on live beings.

“In this project,” according to Professor Adam Ameur, they “studied the effects of CRISPR-Cas9 in zebrafish, a small aquarium fish. Since DNA molecules and their mechanisms are similar in all animals, we think the results should be similar in humans, for example.”

The researchers discovered surprising mutations of various types after studying the genomes of over 1,000 zebrafish from two generations.

In some cases, mutations happened in DNA fragments that were larger than expected, while in others, mutations occurred in the wrong part of the genome.

Unexpected mutations were discovered in both first-generation zebrafish and their offspring.

“Knowing these unexpected mutations are heritable is important, since they can have long-term consequences for future generations. But that can happen only if you change the genome of embryos or germ cells,” adds Ida Höijer.

Methods designed to correct genes in a specific tissue or cell type are increasingly being developed in healthcare. Despite the fact that such therapies offer no risk to future generations, it is prudent to exercise caution.

“CRISPR-Cas9 can be an amazingly valuable tool in health care. But we need to minimise the risk of unwanted effects, and we can do this by carefully validating the modified cells with the latest DNA sequencing technologies,” adds Ameur.

Source: 10.1038/s41467-022-28244-5

Image Credit: Getty

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