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ARTICLE | Clinical News

China scientists edit genes with CRISPR in viable human embryos

March 10, 2017 9:30 PM UTC

Scientists in China published a paper describing what is believed to be the first use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in viable human embryos. The manuscript, published in Molecular Genetics and Genomics, showed a greater gene editing efficiency than previously observed in non-viable human embryos, though in a small sample size.

A team based at Guangzhou Medical University repaired mutations in beta globin (HBB) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Those mutations are associated with β-thalassemia and G6PD deficiency, respectively. The group used donated oocytes from IVF patients that were matured ex vivo and combined with sperm from donors with those disorders...