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Starlight Longevity

Ageing biology, biomarkers, interventions, and research literacy.

CRISPR

Definition

CRISPR refers to a family of bacterial immune-system sequences and associated proteins that have been adapted into programmable genome-editing tools. In the best-known CRISPR-Cas9 system, a guide RNA helps direct a Cas enzyme to a matching DNA sequence, where the genome can be cut or modified. [1] [2] [3]

Why It Matters in Ageing Research

CRISPR matters because it allows researchers to test the function of genes, build disease models, correct some disease-causing mutations, and develop more precise genetic tools. In ageing research, CRISPR is used to study mechanisms such as DNA repair, senescence, mitochondrial biology, stem cell function, inflammation, and age-related disease pathways. It is a powerful research platform, but it is not itself an anti-ageing therapy. [4] [5] [6]

Common Confusion

Related Reading

References

  1. Jinek, M., et al. (2012). A Programmable Dual-RNA-Guided DNA Endonuclease in Adaptive Bacterial Immunity. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1225829
  2. Doudna, J. A., & Charpentier, E. (2014). The new frontier of genome engineering with CRISPR-Cas9. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1258096
  3. Hsu, P. D., Lander, E. S., & Zhang, F. (2014). Development and Applications of CRISPR-Cas9 for Genome Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2014.05.010
  4. Anzalone, A. V., Koblan, L. W., & Liu, D. R. (2020). Genome editing with CRISPR-Cas nucleases, base editors, transposases and prime editors. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-020-0561-9
  5. Wang, J. Y., Doudna, J. A., & Liu, D. R. (2023). CRISPR technology: A decade of genome editing is only the beginning. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.add8643
  6. Frangoul, H., et al. (2021). CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and β-Thalassemia. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2031054
Note

This glossary entry is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.