BIOL 404 - Seminar in Genome Editing

Recent advances in molecular biology have lead to the ability to directly manipulate genomes in highly precise ways. CRISPR-based genome editing is a type of genetic engineering that can be used to add, replace, or delete specific sequences in an organism’s genes using specialized nucleases. The possible applications of this methodology are far-reaching and have already been used to correct disease-causing mutations in mouse models and human cells, leading to gene therapy clinical trials and the first reported case of manipulation of human embryos. We will discuss the primary literature from this emerging field, technical hurdles that may hamper medical applications of this technology such as “off-target” effects, and ethical and socio-cultural issues surrounding genome modification. Three lecture/discussion hours each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 190 and BIOL 200; junior or senior standing; or permission of instructor. Offered occasionally. (4 Credits)