Scientists this year used new CRISPR and TALEN technologies to efficiently edit the non-human primate genome, which may allow us to create new disease models far more accurately than current mouse models. But this new technology can place off-target mutations in the host DNA which can harm the animal. Our review of the literature and interviews with key scientists indicate that with proper genome monitoring (either by whole genome sequencing or by PCR of specific high-probability locations), careful design of guide RNAs (to avoid cross-hybridization), and screening treated embryos prior to implantation, off-target mutations can be lowered.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Pinnette, Dylan Aldous
• Darling, Connor Redmond
• Cormier, Thomas William
• Zhang, Chenwei
• Mattie, Breahna Irene

Subject

• Industry
• Security
• Health

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-101014-143603

Keyword

• Transgenic animals
• Educational surveys--Design

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2014

Date created

• 2014-10-10

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2022-02-10