Researchers successfully edit embryo genes with greater precision

Researchers used base editing. Pic COURTESY/Columbia University

Researchers have used base editing to rewrite specific genes in human embryos, targeting genes linked to heart disease and hemoglobin production.

While earlier CRISPR-based editing frequently caused unintended genetic damage, including snipping out wrong genetic bits or destroying entire chromosomes, base editing resulted in meticulously replaced individual DNA letters.

However, researchers cautioned the technique remains imperfect, sometimes creating "mosaic" embryos where only some cells were altered, and that it requires extreme scrutiny since harmful effects might only emerge after birth.

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