CRISPR

Sometimes Crispr

[kris-per]

noun

1. Biochemistry.,  a unique cluster of short, repeated DNA sequences found in bacterial genomes and capable of fighting viruses.

   CRISPR enables bacteria to integrate foreign DNA into their genome.

2. Genetics.,  the technology of targeting a DNA-detecting molecule to a specific genetic sequence for the purpose of editing a gene’s base pairs.

   The approach called CRISPR should speed up the process by allowing researchers to study the entire genome at once.

Word History and Origins

Origin of CRISPR¹

First recorded in 2000–05; acronym from C(lustered) R(egularly) I(nterspaced) S(hort) P(alindromic) R(epeats)

Example Sentences

If he thought his return to the laboratory would be a placid coda to his career, he was soon proved wrong, by yet another advance in genetic engineering, this one called CRISPR.

From Los Angeles Times

They use a gene editing tool known as crispr to remove some of the pig genes and add certain human genes to make the organ more compatible.

From BBC

Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi were engineered, or made to resemble dire wolves, using gene editing techniques like CRISPR.

From Salon

In the laboratory, a gene-editing tool called Crispr is used.

From BBC

Crucially foetal haemoglobin is not affected by sickle cell disease, so Crispr acts by dampening down the "switch" that makes the body produce the adult form.

From BBC