Researchers have developed a new technique to analyze genetic information that uses RNA-guided engineered nuclease (RGEN) derived from the CRISPR/Cas bacterial immune system. The technology allows scientists to cut DNA sequences, including cancer-causing mutations, and rapidly and inexpensively analyze them without using the currently-required DNA sequencer.

According to the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, the results were published in the online edition of Nature Communications on January 20. A Seoul National University team led by professor Kim Jin-soo and Kim Seokjoong of ToolGen, a genome engineering company, conducted the research.

The researchers produced RGENs that can cut normal or cancer-causing DNA sequences and determine the existence of mutations in one step. Until now, RGENs have been widely used for targeted genetic modifications in the cells of both animals and plants, but with this development there is the possibility that RGENs can be used for genetic diagnosis.


The researchers predict that the technology will drastically change the way genotyping is conducted. Genotyping is the process of determining the genotypes, or DNA variations, of individuals and is often used to distinguish individuals in forensics or to determine genetic variations associated with diseases, such as cancer. Currently, RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis is one of the most widely used methods of genotyping. It involves fragmenting a sample of DNA by using restriction endonucleases which can recognize and cut DNA. However, RFLP analysis is limited by the availability of appropriate restriction endonucleases. The researchers said that if RGENs can replace restriction endonucleases, genetic diagnosis is expected to become easier and to be more widely used.

In particular, with the new method there will be no need for a highly-expensive DNA sequencer. A gel electrophoresis device can be used instead and this makes genotyping much simpler and cheaper. If the RNA part of the engineered nuclease is replaced for research according to targeted DNA sequences, the new technology will be able to be used in a variety of genetic analyses, the researchers said.


“The new technology was originally developed to detect mutations induced in cells by the RGENs themselves, but it is also effective in genetic analysis,” said professor Kim Jin-soo. “We intend to develop a cancer diagnosis kit that uses RGENs to detect cancer-causing mutations at an early stage.”

By Limb Jae-un
Korea.net Staff Writer
jun2@korea.kr