The following is an edited excerpt.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and its milder form, Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), are genetic disorders affecting approximately one in 3,500 new born males. Individuals with DMD have a life expectancy of about 25 years on average, and current estimates place the prevalence of DMD at about 300,000 individuals worldwide.
Researchers are working to use sequence-specific DNA binding proteins to create new tools for targeted genome editing. These tools may allow researchers to correct mutations that cause sever genetic diseases by specifically cutting any DNA sequence.
Read the full story here: Gene Editing to Treat Genetic Diseases, Part II