UC Berkeley researchers seek patent for gene-editing system
UC Berkeley scientists who discovered a revolutionary technique for editing the genes of living cells won the right Wednesday to seek patents on their system — a decision that could speed advances in fighting human diseases and ultimately yield fortunes for the university, the scientists and companies seeking to commercialize the breakthrough technique.
Jennifer Doudna, a UC biochemist, and her colleagues said nearly five years ago that they had made what is hailed as one of the greatest discoveries in the history of biology: a relatively swift, simple and easy method for altering the genes in the cells of any living organism, from bacteria to plants to humans.
That discovery has given scientists a relatively straightforward way to edit DNA, much in the way computers can edit the words in documents or translate from one language to another. The discovery has also provoked major controversies — both scientific and ethical — around the world.
Genetic engineering has since spawned major new drug industries, big advances in disease treatment, and controversies over issues like GMO foods. Billions of dollars are involved.
