Scientists Uncover 4-Billion-Year-Old VIPR Gene Editor With Broader Reach Than CRISPR
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Scientists Uncover 4-Billion-Year-Old VIPR Gene Editor With Broader Reach Than CRISPR
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Summary
Two papers in Science reported that VIPR, a gene-editing defense system found in viruses, may predate CRISPR by more than 4 billion years and could become a stronger editing tool.
VIPR appears to target a wider range of genetic sequences than CRISPR, potentially letting researchers modify more of the genome.
Its smaller molecules could also make delivery into cells easier, a key hurdle in turning gene-editing systems into practical therapies.
The discovery grew out of efforts by Jennifer Doudna and other researchers to trace how natural gene editors evolved, extending the search from bacteria to viruses.