Scientists have figured out how to change the genome in humans

Harvard University geneticist David Liu and his research group are developing a new technique, using specialized proteins to modify the genomes of living animals. With this new method, scientists can replace disease-causing genes and replace them with healthy genes to treat difficult-to-treat genetic diseases.

According to Mr. Liu 'Drugs used to treat hereditary diseases cannot cure the roots. The new method that we are working on is not a drug, but a method of dealing with agents that can cause disease before they are released. However, the method of editing the genome with proteins still has difficulties because the cells do not accept them naturally and will seek to eliminate them. '

Previous genetic modification methods have been tested by scientists, with a method of introducing proteins into cells through cationic lipids. However, the old method has a drawback because after being introduced into the cell, these cationic lipids are surrounded by an endosomes, the cell's self-defense mode, and make these proteins trapped.

Meanwhile, the new method has a different cell approach, proteins approach cells inside a liposome. The main difference is that the liposomes after entering the cell mix with the endosomes causing the protein to be released.

These proteins also work only for a short time. Helping reduce risk makes them continue to alter the genome leading to unexpected mutations.

With this new method, scientists will open a new breakthrough in medicine, as humans can modify their own genes and replace bad mutants that cause illness with healthy genes. . Scientists also said that the method to correct this genome is still very difficult, because when a body grows with lots of cells, it will be difficult to make changes.

Reference: iflscience