Research Digest - Transgenesis Achieved Without Exogenous DNA: Harnessing Retroelement Proteins
In recent years, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology has rapidly advanced, serving not only precise gene editing but also gene introduction in transgenic systems. However, the introduction of exogenous DNA, a necessity for these tools, poses risks such as immune responses and negative mutations. With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the potential of RNA-based therapies, scientists now seek an RNA tool for efficient transgenesis or gene editing with reduced risks.
On February 20, 2024, a research team from the University of California, Berkeley, reports on their development of a novel transgenic technology called PRINT, utilizing retroelement proteins for gene insertion.