gene editing

noun

variants: or genome editing

Definition of gene editing

: the use of biotechnological techniques to make changes to specific DNA sequences in the genome of a living organism Fundamental research into the ways by which bacteria defend themselves against viruses has recently led to the development of powerful new techniques that make it possible to perform gene editing—that is, precisely altering genetic sequences—in living cells, including those of humans, at much higher accuracy and efficiency than ever before possible.— David Baltimore et al. The era of straightforward genome editing raises ethical questions that will need to be addressed by scientists and society at large.— Jennifer A. Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier —often hyphenated when used before another noun a gene-editing technique called CRISPR

Examples of gene editing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The gene editing system will recognize the normal DNA and make a cut in it. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "Gene drive used to turn all female mosquitos sterile," 27 Sep. 2018 In recent years, scientists have begun using the gene editing tool Crispr to experiment in the laboratory with altering embryos and changing the DNA of animals. — Amy Dockser Marcus, WSJ, "Communities Raise Their Voices on Genetic Engineering," 27 July 2018 More patients have had their genes edited since, according to doctors involved in those tests, though none of China’s Crispr trials have published results. — Wenxin Fan, WSJ, "Chinese Gene-Editing Experiment Loses Track of Patients, Alarming Technology’s Inventors," 28 Dec. 2018 Researchers at Imperial College London used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to spread a genetic modification that blocked female reproduction in the lab mosquitoes. — James Rogers, Fox News, "Malaria 'breakthrough': Disease-carrying mosquitoes wiped out in major lab experiment," 25 Sep. 2018 Researchers are exploring ways to use gene editing to treat a range of diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia and sickle cell disease. — Rebecca Lurye, courant.com, "Gene Editing Shows Promise In Yale Study," 29 June 2018 Scientists have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to lessen some symptoms of autism in mice. — Emily Price, Fortune, "Scientists Successfully Reduce Autism Symptoms in Mice Through Gene Editing," 27 June 2018 However, gene editing technology using a technique called CRISPR is advancing at lightning speed. — National Geographic, "Could Humans and Dinosaurs Coexist? Here's the Science.," 22 June 2018 That cure might come from the hot new gene editing technology called CRISR. — Bradley J. Fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Vertex Pharmaceuticals opens expanded San Diego research center with focus on cystic fibrosis," 18 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gene editing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.