Editors reconsidering CRISPR off-target paper's conclusions

Based on reactions to a May 30 letter to Nature Methods that reported an unexpectedly high level of CRISPR-Cas9 off-target activity, the journal noted on June 14 that the conclusions of the paper "are subject to criticisms that are being considered by editors." The editors' note said a further editorial response will follow the issues' resolution.

The original letter described more than 1,600 genetic differences between two mice treated with CRISPR/Cas9 and a third untreated control. Its authors concluded that CRISPR-Cas9 may be much less precise than previously expected (see BioCentury Extra, May 30). ...