A human model for autism
The CRISPR-Cas gene scissors enable researchers to study the genetic and cellular causes of autism in the lab – directly on human tissue.
In brief
- Researchers have developed a method via which they can alter cells in miniscule human tissue cultures known as organoids in a mosaic-like manner.
- The technology helps to speed up the search for the molecular causes of hereditary diseases and peculiarities of brain development such as autism.
- Research with organoids is an alternative to animal testing and helps to reduce it.