Why is Specificity Important in RNA-Based Gene Editing?
Specificity is crucial because off-target effects can lead to unintended mutations, which may cause deleterious consequences. The catalytic efficiency of Cas9, combined with the specificity provided by the guide RNA, minimizes these off-target effects. Researchers are continually improving the design of guide RNAs and the engineering of Cas9 variants to enhance specificity and reduce unwanted modifications.
