nasa astronauts crispr editing technology for

Their research not only marks the first CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in space, but also the first time that live cells have undergone successful transformation-corporation of generic material from outside the organism. They have also been able to demonstrate its viability in experiments with yeast cells aboard the ISS. Now, however, in the current research, scientists have been able to develop the first CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing workflow to approach DSB repair from start to finish.

And until now, technical and safety issues have meant that scientists have been unable to tackle the problem. Previous work has shown that conditions in space could affect which DNA repair pathway would work best to repair DNA damage while in space. Another method is known as non-homologous end joining and works by inserting or deleting genes from a break site. One is known as homologous recombination, which works by exchanging similar but nonidentical DNA between homologous chromosomes. The ionizing radiation in space is strong enough to cut through DNA, causing clustered and complex damage in the form of DSB.ĭSB may be repaired via two cellular pathways. DSB forms when the phosphate backbones of both DNA strands form a DNA lesion. In the study, the researchers focused on a type of DNA damage known as double-strand breaks (DSB). Ways to repair DNA while in space are therefore crucial for the success of long missions beyond our planet's atmosphere. This radiation can lead to complex DNA damage that can cause cancer and other life-threatening conditions. The corresponding peer-reviewed study has been published in Plos One.Īstronauts traveling beyond the Earth’s protective atmosphere are at an increased risk of DNA damage from the ionizing radiation in space.

NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have developed and successfully carried out a CRISPR-Cas9 procedure in microgravity conditions.

Nasa astronauts crispr editing technology for