Major breakthrough in Life Sciences of XXI century

Author: Luka Sanikidze
Keywords: CRISPR-Cas; Gene editing; Non-coding RNAs
Annotation:

The CRISPR-Cas system is a molecular memory system of prokaryotes designed to protect these organisms from viruses and foreign genetic elements. The CRISPR-Cas system performs its function with the Non-coding RNAs and the site-specific RNA dependent endonuclease. The system consists of CRISPR-locus, Cas Genes and Cas proteins. In the mechanism of action, it is possible to distinguish three phases: 1) Acquisition of a small section of DNA from a virus invading a prokaryotic cell (18-30 nucleotide) and incorporation into the genome of the prokaryotic cell. 2)The expression of acquired DNA fragment. 3) Interference of the DNA of the invading virus by the expression elements _ non-coding RNAs and the site-specific RNA dependent endonuclease. This molecular system found in prokaryotes in addition to its evolutionary significance and its use in molecular and microbiology has been incredibly effective for modern research, for biotechnology and for the therapy of various genetic diseases.