by Scientists from the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have made a significant discovery in the field of genetic research. They have identified over 3,600 RNA-guided enzymes known as Fanzors, which have the ability to cut DNA at specific sites. These Fanzors, found in a diverse range of species from fungi to mollusks, are similar to the bacterial Cas9 enzyme used in CRISPR technology.
The significance of this discovery lies in the fact that Fanzors originate from eukaryote organisms, which are more closely related to humans than the simpler prokaryotic cells where Cas9 is found. While CRISPR has already proven to be effective in correcting genetic diseases and developing diagnostic systems, using Fanzors holds even greater potential due to their alignment with our cellular makeup.
The researchers believe that Fanzors evolved in eukaryotic cells through viral transmission or symbiotic bacteria, specifically the bacterial enzymes TnpBs, and have been conserved due to their usefulness. The more complex structure of eukaryotic cells has allowed Fanzors to develop distinct features, such as the ability to enter cell nuclei and access DNA, making them more precise in targeting DNA-cutting sites compared to TnpB enzymes.
Harnessing the power of Fanzors in the same way as CRISPR could revolutionize gene therapies and biotechnology. RNA-guided biology enables the development of programmable tools that are easy to use, and the discovery of Fanzors opens up a whole new world of possibilities in this field.
Jonathan Gootenberg, a McGovern Fellow, believes that exploring eukaryotic systems is a promising avenue for research. Prokaryotic systems have been extensively studied, but eukaryotic systems offer a whole new playground. Researchers are hopeful that further exploration of Fanzors and their capabilities will contribute to the development of advanced gene therapies and improve our understanding of genetic diseases.
Omar Abudayyeh, another McGovern Fellow, emphasizes the importance of finding more RNA-guided systems. The more we can find, the better we can utilize these programmable tools. By expanding the range of RNA-guided systems to include eukaryotic organisms, scientists will have a wealth of opportunities for further research and innovation.
In conclusion, the discovery of thousands of Fanzor DNA cutters with their ability to precisely edit genes has opened up new possibilities in the field of genetic therapies and biotechnology. The alignment of Fanzors with our cellular makeup gives them a potential advantage over CRISPR in developing more effective treatments for genetic diseases. Continued research on Fanzors and their applications in RNA-guided biology will undoubtedly lead to significant advancements in the field of genetic medicine.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
