A team of Beijing scientists has unveiled a revolutionary gene-editing tool known as CyDENT. This novel technology promises greater efficiency than the well-known CRISPR method, a significant advancement for China's biotech sector, which faces potential US export restrictions.
Game-Changer in Gene Editing
Unlike CRISPR/Cas9, which relies on cutting double-strand DNA to make edits, CyDENT takes a different approach.
According to the South China Morning Post, it enables strand-specific gene editing without any cuts, ensuring greater precision in genetic alterations. This eliminates the risk of imprecise editing and undesirable mutations.
CyDENT utilizes a modular system for different phases of the editing process. This innovative design empowers researchers to tailor their approach for specific variations that arise during genetic editing, offering unparalleled flexibility.
CyDENT's breakthrough lies in its ability to edit DNA in challenging environments, such as within human mitochondria or plant chloroplasts.
While CRISPR relies on guide RNA, accessing these locations proved difficult due to the single-stranded nature of RNA. CyDENT employs a "protein-based approach" using a protein signal for transportation, bypassing the need for guide RNA.
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CyDENT Has Therapeutic Potential
Within mitochondria, single-nucleotide variations linked to diseases have been identified. CyDENT's precise single-strand editing capability offers therapeutic potential through precise base conversion.
In chloroplasts, critical for photosynthesis, improving energy conversion efficiency in crops becomes possible with CyDENT's precision.
CyDENT's precision in editing one strand of DNA at a time opens new possibilities for controlled and efficient research into cell genomes. This precision can accelerate breakthroughs in understanding and harnessing genetic potential.
Biotech Sector Restrictions in the US
As China's biotech sector faces potential US restrictions, the development of tools like CyDENT may encounter challenges, as they partly rely on imports. However, China is actively investing in biotech development and research, positioning itself as a global biotechnology leader.
While CyDENT does not depend on independent intellectual property, further research is required to optimize its modular elements for superior editing results.
Safety and efficiency remain paramount considerations for human therapeutics. Nevertheless, CyDENT holds immense promise for exploring previously un-editable DNA.
What's The Catch With CyDENT?
According to another report by Interesting Engineering, Chinese researchers said that there are risks and issues that can emerge when CyDENT is used.
One of the main problems that is observed in this genome editing tool is the off-target effects. There are some cases in which it could "unintentionally" cut DNA similar to the target sequence.
Aside from that, off-target mutations can bring out adverse effects on the individual. For instance, this risk could introduce new diseases to the body of a person.
Back in March 2023, another group of Chinese scientists said that the new CRISPR-based genome editing technique can restore vision in blind mice.
As Tech Times reported at that time, this versatile method known as PESpRY can correct the mutation in an enzyme responsible for vision: the PDE6β.
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