Precise editing of mitochondrial DNA is now possible

Researchers have utilized an unusual bacterial toxin to precisely edit mitochondrial DNA for the first time. The development achieves what CRISPR–Cas9 systems have failed to do previously. While CRISPR–Cas9 systems have revolutionized genome editing, these advances have been limited to nuclear DNA. Now, a collaboration between three Howard Hughes Medical Institute (MD, USA) investigators has led to the development of a CRISPR-free gene editing tool capable of making corrections in mitochondrial DNA. Diseases caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA are poorly understood but can have serious consequences. Previously scientists studying these conditions could only eradicate these mutations by destroying the...