Category: In Vivo

Cas9 as a in vivo detective

Posted on by ZBueno

So, ever wondered how the Cas9 protein can find the right spot to make its edit in vivo? Here is an illustration to help.

Imagine that the Cas9 protein is a molecular detective with a specific mission—to locate and cut a target DNA sequence. In this metaphor, the genome is like a massive book containing all the genetic information, and the Cas9 protein is the detective searching for a particular passage or chapter within that book.

To accomplish its mission, the Cas9 protein needs a guide, which is the guide RNA (gRNA). The gRNA serves as the detective’s trusty assistant, equipped with a unique bookmark and a keen eye for the target passage. The bookmark is designed to match the specific sequence the detective is searching for.

Once the detective and the assistant are ready, they embark on their quest. They traverse the vast pages of the genome book, carefully scanning the DNA letters for the exact sequence they seek. The detective holds the gRNA tightly, using it as a compass and relying on its guidance.

As they navigate through the book, the detective and assistant compare the DNA sequence they encounter with the bookmark on the gRNA. When they find a perfect match, it’s like discovering the target passage in the book. The detective knows that this is the spot they’ve been searching for.

At this moment, the detective takes out a special cutting tool—the nuclease activity of the Cas9 protein. With precision, the detective makes a precise cut in the DNA, like drawing a line through the identified passage in the book. This action disrupts the genetic code at that location.

Using this metaphor, the Cas9 protein acts as a detective in the genome book, guided by the gRNA assistant to precisely find and cut the desired target sequence. Just as the detective relies on the bookmark and the specific sequence to locate the passage, the Cas9 protein depends on the gRNA’s designed specificity to recognize and bind to the target DNA sequence.

This illustrates how the Cas9 protein and the gRNA work together, like a detective and an assistant, to identify and modify specific locations in the genome with remarkable accuracy.

CRISPR and the Pancreas for Diabetes patients

Posted on by ZBueno

In terms of using CRISPR to help the pancreas produce beta cells, there is ongoing research in this area that is very exciting. Beta cells are the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, and their dysfunction or loss is the underlying cause of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Scientists have explored using CRISPR to modify the genes in beta cells to improve their function or to convert other cells in the pancreas into beta cells.

One approach involves using CRISPR to modify the genes in existing beta cells to improve their function. For example, scientists have used CRISPR to knock out genes that inhibit beta cell proliferation, which could potentially increase the number of beta cells in the pancreas. Other studies have used CRISPR to modify the genes that control insulin production and secretion, which could improve beta cell function.

Another approach involves using CRISPR to convert other cells in the pancreas into beta cells. Scientists have used CRISPR to modify the genes in non-beta cells to induce them to become beta cells. This process is called cellular reprogramming, and it has shown promise in animal models of diabetes.

While these approaches are still in the early stages of development, they hold promise for the future of diabetes treatment. However, there are still many challenges that must be addressed, including optimizing the CRISPR technology for in vivo use, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the treatment, and addressing ethical concerns related to genome editing in humans.