Gene editing successfully used to treat Alzheimer in mice

Researchers at the Dongguk University in South Korea have successfully used the gene editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 to treat Alzheimer’s disease in mice. The tool was used to edit out the gene causing Alzheimer from the mice’s DNA, thus improving their memory and other cognitive functions. While only a first step, the scientists see their success as an indication of the significant potential of gene editing technologies in treating neurodegenerative diseases (by removing the genes causing those diseases at their source). The technique needs much more research before it can be applied to humans, especially considering that gene editing is an irreversible process.