CRISPR · 3articles

CRISPR gene editing is a genetic engineering tool by which the genomes of living organisms may be altered.

Illustration of DNA barcodes in urine that can be analysed using special paper strips to diagnose for cancer.

Engineers develop a quick urine test using CRISPR, barcoded DNA and nanoparticles to diagnose for cancer.

Rapid diagnosis of cancer can save lives. Now, engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new nanoparticle sensor that can detect cancer and other diseases with a simple urine test. Barcoded DNA administered to patients using nanoparticles is cleaved and excreted in urine where it is analysed.
April 26, 2023
Image depicting the karyotype of humans with aneuploidy (trisomy) of chromosome 21.

Researchers can now investigate aneuploidy, a hallmark of cancer, using CRISPR

Scientists developed a new CRISPR-based system called KaryoCreate to study chromosome aneuploidy. Using guide RNAs, they could recruit mutant kinetochore proteins to chromosomes in cultured cells. This mutant protein results in improper segregation of chromosomes leading to aneuploidy. Researchers can use this as an experimental model to study aneuploidy in the context of cancer and beyond.
April 23, 2023