These regions can be clumped into larger
areas of the genome called quantitative trait loci, which are known to contain genes that produce a specific physical effect, such as shaggy hair.
Not exact matches
It builds on a 2011 discovery by Berman and Laird that first determined loss
of these DNA marks —
called methyl groups — occurs in specific
areas of the
genome in cancer.
Researchers have previously harnessed this system to create gene - editing complexes composed
of a DNA - cutting enzyme
called Cas9 and a short RNA that guides the enzyme to a specific
area of the
genome, directing Cas9 where to make its cut.
The approach developed by the MGH team focuses on small
areas of the human
genome — so -
called polyguanine (poly - G) repeats that are particularly susceptible to mutation, with genetic «mistakes» occurring frequently during cell division.
According to Dr. Burgess, the team is now working to extend the period that sperm cells can be cultured, so there is more time to select cells that have the foreign gene inserted in specific
areas of the
genome in what is commonly
called a «targeted gene knockout.»
Each person's complete set
of DNA, or
genome, is surveyed by examining a strategically selected «panel»
of genetic markers that tag
areas of known variation,
called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).