CRISPR gene editing may cause permanent damage - study

Scientists at Tel Aviv University (TAU) warn that while the CRISPR genome-editing method is very effective, it is not always safe and that sometimes, rearranging pieces of DNA compromises genomic stability, possibly triggering cancer in the long run.

CRISPR – an acronym for “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats” – allows genetic material to be added, removed or altered at particular locations in the genome. Several approaches to genome editing have been developed. 

The best-known technology is called CRISPR-Cas9 gene scissors (CRISPR-associated protein 9), for which the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to the American scientist Jennifer A. Doudna and French scientist Emmanuelle Charpentier in recognition of their discovery. Developed about a decade ago, it has already proved impressively effective in treating a range of diseases including cancer, liver diseases, genetic syndromes and more.

“Our intention in this study was to shed light on potential risks in the use of CRISPR therapeutics,” the researchers wrote. “We did this even though we are aware of the technology’s substantial advantages.”

The first approved clinical trial ever to use it was conducted...