What are the potential consequences of off-target cleavage or non-specific target recognition? Describe a way researchers are trying to minimize off-target effects.

Answer 1

Hey Juli! With off-target cleavage depending on subject of the study (bacteria, rats, etc), it could affect the expression of a gene, the splicing of the transcript producing the incorrect protein product. Depending on the amino acid sequence, incorrect target cleavage can cleave potential signaling sequences.

One way researchers try to minimize off-target effects is by using PCR to determine the correct sequence of interest to be able to find and bind/cleave the correct target.

Let me know if you have any further help!