What is Genome Engineering for?
Genome engineering is one of the key activities of what is now called the “post-genomic era” (i.e. now that the genomes of a lot of different species have been sequenced, especially Human). Very precise knowledge of the DNA sequence is required to perform DNA interventions on the genetic program. These interventions focus on two major goals: 1. Therapy: • Curing diseases caused by genetic defects (hereditary diseases, cancer, etc.). • Curing cells of viruses and parasites. 2. Rational genetics in species: • Improving natural living resources by rational intervention on their genetic code (animal and plant health) With the recent completion of the human genome sequence and the systematic quest for new polymorphisms, rational genome engineering has evolved into a genuine industry.
