University Chemistry ›› 2020, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (12): 118-126.doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202010077

• Chemistry Today • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A Brief Introduction to Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020: Gene Editing for the Future

Xuran Niu, Zhuo Zhou, Wensheng Wei()   

  • Received:2020-10-28 Accepted:2020-11-09 Published:2020-11-13
  • Contact: Wensheng Wei E-mail:wswei@pku.edu.cn

Abstract:

The 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded to two female scientists, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, to recognize their seminal contribution to the invention of CRISPR technology for genome editing. CRISPR system enables new generation of gene editing through RNA-based recognition of double-stranded DNA. Empowered by its high efficiency, accuracy and programmability, CRISPR technology has revolutionized modern biology, and has been widely applied in basic research, gene therapy, animal and plant breeding. Here, we briefly introduce the discovery of CRISPR system and the scientific stories behind, and discuss the on-going development and future directions of many gene-editing related technologies.

Key words: Nobel Prize in chemistry, CRISPR, Gene editing