What is genome editing used for?

• Genome editing could be used to edit the genome of any organism.

• Genome editing can be used:

  • For research: Genome editing can be used to change the DNA in cells or organisms to understand their biology and how they work.

  • To treat potentially disease: Genome editing has been used to modify human blood cells that are then put back into the body to treat conditions including leukaemia. It could also potentially be used to treat genetic conditions (such as muscular dystrophy and haemophilia).

  • For biotechnology: Genome editing has been used in agriculture to genetically modify crops to improve their yields and resistance to disease and drought.