Epigenetic editing: towards realization of the curable genome concept

Recent developments in biotechnology have enabled scientists to modulate DNA sequences in a precise way. These genome engineering technologies also open new possibilities to alter the epigenetic composition of the genome at any given genomic location thereby changing gene expression patterns, while...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inConvergent science physical oncology Vol. 3; no. 1; pp. 13006 - 13011
Main Authors Goubert, D, Beckman, W F, Verschure, P J, Rots, M G
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published IOP Publishing 28.02.2017
Subjects
breast cancer resistance
CRISPR/Cas
epigenetics
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Summary:Recent developments in biotechnology have enabled scientists to modulate DNA sequences in a precise way. These genome engineering technologies also open new possibilities to alter the epigenetic composition of the genome at any given genomic location thereby changing gene expression patterns, while leaving the primary DNA sequence intact. This new approach, so-called epigenetic editing, holds great promise to permanently reprogram cell identity. As reprogramming the epigenetic composition, and hence gene expression patterns is now technically feasible, the society needs to consider to what extent interference at the epigenetic level can be accepted. In this review, we discuss the potential epigenetic editing holds for research and therapy, and also touch upon societal implications of this rapidly growing research field.
Bibliography:CSPO-100046.R1
ISSN:2057-1739
2057-1739
DOI:10.1088/2057-1739/aa5cc0