Mitochondria DNA Editing Can Stop Mothers From Passing Down Genetic Disorders

Researchers have tested a new gene editing technique that could help prevent women worldwide from passing on diseases to their children.

According to BBC, scientists at Salk Institute for Biological Studies edited the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in mice to eliminate disease causing portions, using specifically engineering molecular scissors. They then inserted human mtDNA into mice embryos and successfully repeated the technique. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mother but does not code for appearance and traits. However inheritance of defective DNA can causes diseases that can be life-limiting.

"Most current approaches are trying to develop treatments for patients who are already suffering from these diseases. Instead, we thought of preventing the transmission of these mutations early in development," said Alejandro Ocampo, one study's first authors.

Researchers said that the technique does not aim to remove all mutated copies of defective DNA but just about enough to ensure that they do not cause disease.

"We might not be able to eliminate one hundred percent of the mutated copies of mitochondrial DNA. But you don't need to eliminate all of the mutated copies: just reducing the percentage significantly enough can prevent the disease in the next generation," said Pradeep Reddy and one of study's authors.

The team hopes to test the technique in human embryos, which is bound to raise eugenics concerns.