Top 10 CRISPR and Gene Editing experts to follow
Dr. Jennifer Doudna: A co-recipient of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Doudna’s pioneering work on the development of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system has revolutionized genetic research.
Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier: Alongside Doudna, Charpentier was awarded the Nobel for her role in the CRISPR breakthrough. Her studies provided key insights into the CRISPR system’s molecular mechanisms.
Dr. Feng Zhang: At the Broad Institute and MIT, Zhang has been a significant player in adapting CRISPR for use in mammalian cells, widening its application in biomedical research.
Dr. George Church: A professor at Harvard and MIT, Church’s work spans multiple areas of genetics, including gene editing and gene drives. He’s known for his efforts in genome sequencing and gene editing for therapeutics.
Dr. Virginijus Siksnys: Often considered the third, less-publicized pioneer of CRISPR, Siksnys independently discovered and described the CRISPR mechanism in parallel to Doudna and Charpentier.
Dr. Rodolphe Barrangou: Working on CRISPR’s natural bacterial immune functions, Barrangou’s insights have been foundational in understanding the broader CRISPR system.
Dr. Prashant Mali: A key collaborator with Zhang at MIT, Mali has been instrumental in adapting and refining CRISPR methodologies for varied applications, including gene drives.
Dr. J. Keith Joung: A researcher at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Joung’s work focuses on improving the precision and safety of CRISPR systems, ensuring they‘re effective and safe for therapeutic use.
Dr. Jacob Corn: As the Scientific Director of the Innovative Genomics Institute, Corn’s research addresses both the fundamental mechanisms of CRISPR systems and their therapeutic applications.
Dr. Jonathan Weissman: At the Whitehead Institute, Weissman has been pivotal in leveraging CRISPR for genome-wide screens, uncovering gene functions across different organisms.
What Is Crispr
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a powerful gene editing tool that allows researchers to make precise changes to the DNA of living organisms. It works by using an enzyme called Cas9, which acts as a pair of molecular scissors, to cut specific sequences of DNA at precise locations.
CRISPR was first discovered in bacteria, where it serves as a defense mechanism against viruses. When a virus infects a bacterium, it injects its DNA into the bacterium’s genome. The bacterium then uses CRISPR to cut the viral DNA and incorporate a small piece of it into its own genome. This allows the bacterium to recognize and defend against future infections from the same virus.
Researchers have adapted this natural process for use in gene editing. By designing guide RNA molecules that target specific sequences of DNA, researchers can use CRISPR to cut DNA at specific locations. This allows them to delete or insert genes, or to make precise changes to the DNA sequence.
CRISPR has been used in a wide range of applications, including basic research, agriculture, and medicine. In agriculture, CRISPR has been used to improve crop yields and resistance to pests and diseases. In medicine, CRISPR has the potential to be used to treat or cure genetic diseases, such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis.
However, CRISPR is a relatively new technology, and its long-term effects are not yet fully understood. There are also ethical concerns surrounding the use of CRISPR, particularly in the area of human genetics. As a result, the use of CRISPR is regulated by various government agencies, and research is ongoing to ensure its safe and responsible use.