The discovery that CRISPR/Cas can be used to cut DNA at specific sites eight years ago revolutionized research – especially in medicine and plant breeding. With this new method it is possible to cut and modify DNA in a targeted manner (Genome Editing) at low cost and unprecedented efficiency. Due to its ease of use CRISPR/Casassisted gene editing is a technology that is rapidly evolving. In substance: We are now able to not only read genomes, but also to re-write them essentially at will. LMU researchers report and discuss what this technology is meaning for their respective field.

Alison Abbott ist Senior European Correspondent für Nature in München. | Christoph Klein ist Direktor der Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik im Dr. von Haunerschen Kinderspital der LMU. |Dominik Paquet ist Professor für Neurobiologie am Institut für Schlaganfall und Demenzforschung (ISD) an der LMU. |Silke Robatzek leitet die Arbeitsgruppe "Pflanzenzell- Immunität" am Biozentrum der LMU. | Eckhard Wolf ist Professor für Molekulare Tierzucht und Biotechnologie am Genzentrum der LMU.