Summary of the science
The genome can be edited using proteins taken from bacteria. This protein is known as the Cas9 protein and when given a guide molecule, it can find DNA that contains the same sequence and cuts in, resulting in a gap. DNA molecules in the surrounding environment are then used to repair that gap. This technology therefore represents an accurate method of changing the genetic sequence of individuals and is a massive breakthrough in biochemistry. Jennifer Doudna developed this technology and her lab study how this technology may be used for other purposes.
About the research
Jennifer Doudna is a Nobel-prize winning scientist who has been credited with development of CRISPR-Cas gene editing, along with fellow researcher Emmanuelle Charpentier. Her lab's research continues to develop this technology, studying novel applications for the CRISPR-Cas system.
About the illustration