The Gene Therapy, named BIRSA 101 is dedicated to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a great tribal freedom fighter.
- It is developed by CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB).
About Gene Therapy
- Gene therapy is a technique that uses a gene(s) to treat, prevent or cure a disease or medical disorder.
- Working Mechanism: Add new copies of a gene that is broken, or replace a defective or missing gene in a patient’s cells with a healthy version (therapeutic gene) of that gene.
About CRISPR
- CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.
- It is a genome-editing tool that enables scientists to cut and modify DNA sequences precisely.
- It involves two key molecules:
- Guide RNA: Designed to find and bind to specific parts of the target genome.
- Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9): It acts as molecular scissors that can cut two strands of DNA.
About Sickle-cell disease (SCD)
- SCD is a genetic disorder that affects haemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.
- The disease causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to blockages in blood flow.
- It particularly affects India's tribal population. (1 in 86 births among STs have SCD)
Related NewsenFnCas9
|
