The Japanese researcher who made the discovery that won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was at 21:34 on October 7.
Atsuo Nakata, an emeritus professor at Osaka University who discovered the base sequence of DNA in the 1980s, which is the basis of "CRISPR-Cas9" (Crisper Casnine), a genome editing method that won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. 90) said, "I am very grateful for the meaning of our discovery and I am glad that the two of us received the award."
Mr. Nakata worked on decoding the E. coli gene at Osaka University, and in 1987 discovered that there was a regular repetition of the base sequence in the E. coli gene with Yoshizumi Ishino, a professor at Kyushu University who was a research student at that time. Did.
It was found that this repetition of the base sequence also exists in other bacteria, and when a bacterium is infected with a virus, it takes in a part of the DNA of the virus and memorizes it, and has an immune function to prepare for the next infection. It was later named "CRISPR".
After that, it became possible to cut and insert genes as intended by applying the mechanism of "CRISPR", and a simple and extremely accurate genome editing method was established.
Mr. Nakata said, "At that time, I didn't know what the recurring sequences meant, and I didn't expect it to be used for genome editing.
I'm very grateful for the meaning of our discovery
.
I'm glad they won the award. "
He added, "Although genome editing has ethical issues, it would be great if we could proceed with discussions and research and use more award-winning technologies."
Discovered DNA sequence with Mr. Nakata Professor Yoshizumi Ishino, Graduate School of Kyushu University
Professor Yoshizumi Ishino of Kyushu University Graduate School, who discovered the sequence of DNA called "CRISPR", which was the key to the great development of genome editing technology, received the award and attended the meeting at Kyushu University.
Professor Ishino said, "I am very pleased and excited that the two female scientists have won the Nobel Prize. I am also very honored to be the discoverer of" CRISPR ". This award is Genome. The application of "CRISPR" to editing technology has been highly evaluated, but when I discovered "CRISPR", I had no idea what it would do. Various studies have revealed its function, and it is based on my knowledge. I would like to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart for creating an epoch-making genome editing technology. "
On top of that, "Genome editing technology has not been completed yet, but opening the door will definitely change the lives of humankind in the future. In the past, revolutionary technology in genetic engineering Has been created in stages, but I think it has risen in stages at once. "
Regarding the ethical aspect of modifying the genes of living organisms, "I think it is absolutely bad to do it with germ cells as it is said in the world. However, there is no other cure for genetic diseases. In terms of normalizing genes, I don't think there is anything better than genome editing. There are concerns about various problems, but since it is a technology that can change bad genes, I think that we will make further progress in the future. I think it's good to see more people suffering from the mutation as a cure. "
Professor Ishino also commented on the two award winners, saying, "Jennifer Doudna is a very fun person who has met in person to eat and talk about various things.
Unfortunately, Emmanuelle Charpentier is unfortunate
.
I have never met him because of passing each other, but I would love to meet and talk with him. "