"Discovery of 'Fanzor': A Powerful CRISPR-Like System in Animals with Potential for Human Genome Editing"
Scientists have discovered a new gene-editing system called Fanzor, similar to CRISPR, in complex organisms such as fungi, algae, amoebas, and a species of clam. This finding demonstrates that DNA-modifying proteins exist across all kingdoms of life. Fanzor proteins interact with guide RNA to cut DNA, but they are currently less efficient than CRISPR. However, Fanzor has the potential to complement CRISPR in gene therapy due to its compact size and reduced off-target effects. Researchers are now eager to search for similar systems in other organisms.